Ladies Of The Club

A dragon on the loose!

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

The second in the Fire Riders series released on Tuesday!

Alin can’t believe he captured Geant. Even though he did it unfairly and feels badly about it, he feels his people need this leverage against Eastania. The grizzled captain of Eastania’s dragon riders is just as fascinating in person as he was on parchment. Geant wants his freedom and if his captor would just come in chain's reach, he could get away. But Alin the captain of Wardona’s dragon riders is a little too alluring and sexy, and too smart to take the risk.

When Alin finally does walk within Geant's chain's reach, many things could happen. But what does is nothing either man expected. Combustion. And not the kind that explodes dragon riders. Volatile chemistry of the sexual sort.

Then Geant’s mate Elesia shows up, along with the Eastania delegation ready to negotiate freedom for Geant; she knows one thing instantly. Someone else has been taking her mate. What she discovers is an attraction and an interest in Alin as strong as Geant's own.

War threatens to keep them apart. Can they deny how they feel, or will the fire within consume them all?

To read an excerpt.

A snoopy dancing Mechele
www.mechelarmstrong.com

Christmas Quickie Contest!

2011-12-14T06:27:00.000-05:00

We're all so busy this time of year. There are halls to be decked, food to be prepared and presents to buy. Then there are all the social obligations, Christmas pageants and the like to schedule in. There's not much time for reading.

But there's always time for a Quickie. No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

I want to help you out this holiday season, so I'm giving away a free PDF download of one of my Ellora’s Cave Quickies each Friday between December 2nd and December 23rd. Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Winning names will be chosen at random and announced each Friday until December 23rd. That means there are TWO drawings left!

You only have to enter once to be in all the drawings!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Book and a New Contest!

2011-12-08T06:12:00.001-05:00

Looking for a quick holiday read? Check out my Ellora's Cave Quickie Jessamyn's Christmas Gift!

BLURB:

It's Christmas Eve and Jessamyn Parker waits by the fireside in her boyfriend's house. She expects him home any minute after being away for three months on business. Clad only in a slinky teddy and sprawled beneath the Christmas tree, she plans to surprise him. But instead of her boyfriend, a complete stranger surprises her.

Caleb Morgan is the new sheriff, and unbeknownst to her, he is also the new owner of the house. Jessamyn flees back to her own home, determined to forget not only her boyfriend's betrayal, but also the heated desire that Caleb has sparked within her.

While Jessamyn is shocked by his appearance, Caleb is enthralled by her. But Jessamyn has had more than enough of men. Now, one year later, it's Christmas time again, and Jessamyn is still swearing off men. But Caleb has other ideas. The only thing he wants for Christmas is the same thing he wanted last year and didn't quite get — Jessamyn Parker under his tree.

CHRISTMAS QUICKIE CONTEST!

But there's always time for a Quickie. No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

Winning names will be chosen at random and announced each Friday.

You only have to enter once to be in all the drawings!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

A Vampire For Christmas

2011-12-06T16:15:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I got the official notice of return to me of the rights to my Christmas vampire story, A Vampire's Christmas Carol. This novella originally appeared in the Beneath A Christmas Moon anthology published by Cerridwen Press.

I decided to go ahead and re-publish it on my own. Converting an edited file for Smashwords, Nook, and Kindle isn't really hard, just a bit painstaking. But I followed the directions closely, created my own new cover for the story and posted it.

Here's the blurb for it: Can Christmas Eve get any more fun? On her way to her family's home, Carol Prescott’s car slides into a ditch in a deserted area with no cell phone signal. The only available shelter is already occupied…by a vampire. To Michael Carpenter, Carol is the bait of a trap.

In an effort to hold onto his soul, Michael has resisted the urge to drink human blood for almost a century. Now he hovers between human and vampire. If he doesn’t drink from a human before the night ends, he’ll die. He’s desperately thirsty, but Michael has seen the soulless monsters vampires are and he prefers death. Carol is pure temptation to him, the Christmas present from hell…or is it from heaven?

I'm thrilled to say that A Vampire's Christmas Carol is now available in most e-formats. Better yet, it's only 99 cents on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and free on Smashwords.

Links:
Amazon Kindle
Nook
Smashwords

My Christmas present to you! But hurry, it's only free for a limited time. When the year turns to a new one so also will the price for the story.

If you're looking for a quick holiday read...

2011-11-30T13:36:00.000-05:00

Looking for a quick, fun read this holiday? Be sure to check out Jessamyn's Christmas Gift my White Hot Holidays Christmas Quickie from Ellora's Cave.

BLURB:

It's Christmas Eve and Jessamyn Parker waits by the fireside in her boyfriend's house. She expects him home any minute after being away for three months on business. Clad only in a slinky teddy and sprawled beneath the Christmas tree, she plans to surprise him. But instead of her boyfriend, a complete stranger surprises her.

Caleb Morgan is the new sheriff, and unbeknownst to her, he is also the new owner of the house. Jessamyn flees back to her own home, determined to forget not only her boyfriend's betrayal, but also the heated desire that Caleb has sparked within her.

While Jessamyn is shocked by his appearance, Caleb is enthralled by her. But Jessamyn has had more than enough of men. Now, one year later, it's Christmas time again, and Jessamyn is still swearing off men. But Caleb has other ideas. The only thing he wants for Christmas is the same thing he wanted last year and didn't quite get — Jessamyn Parker under his tree.

Read an Excerpt

BUY THE BOOK

The monkey is out!!

2011-11-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

Liquid Silver released Code Monkey on Monday! I'm so so excited.

Love my cover. Love Baxter. Love the story. Yep, I'm snoopy dancing right now!

Blurb: Baxter Savage is bored at his job as a code monkey (aka computer programmer). He dreams of leaving his job for better but his sensual dreams of the company’s receptionist, Anna Marie, keep him at his job for now.

Anna Marie is the low woman on the totem pole who wants to be more and dreams of hitting the big time. When she’s asked to spy on a suspected secrets thief for a promotion, she can’t believe her luck. Only it means spending time with a code monkey, namely Baxter.

Baxter is thrilled to have Anna Marie’s attention and Anna Marie soon finds that the code monkey is a lot more interesting than she ever thought possible.

When she finds herself falling for him, will she answer the call of her heart or of her dreams? Can they catch the real thief together or will the code monkey lose it all?

To read an excerpt (the first chapter).

Hope you enjoy the story as much as I did writing it.

Mechele

Who let the dragons out?

2011-11-02T10:15:00.002-04:00

Loose Id did! Whooo hoooo. Taming the Fire released yesterday.

Blurb: Against the backdrop of a war over land where battles rage every night, Byron and Callum came together in an inferno of lust and they've been happy together. One problem, though; Byron is a dragon rider who is nearing the age when his fire build up will be too much and he’ll be in danger of combusting. It doesn’t help that Callum is a dragon rider too and raises Byron’s fire instead of lowering it. Only one thing will ease the fires within Byron.

A human.

Mira has been just existing, trying to stay out of everyone’s notice. Only she finds herself fascinated by two dragon riders who don’t act like the others. It’s a dangerous interest, and she should know. Her parents died as a result of dragon rider actions. But she hasn’t escaped Byron’s and Callum’s attention.

When Byron and Callum decide she’s the answer to their problems, will she rise above her problems and prejudices and step into the dragon’s lair to tame Byron’s fire?

To read an excerpt.

Where they be dragons, there is love!
Mechele

Love in Flames by N.J. Walters

2011-10-26T16:52:00.000-04:00

Love in Flames, the third and final book in the Spells, Secrets and Seductions trilogy, is now available from Samhain Publishing! Each book can be read as a stand-alone read, but they all are connected through three good friends--Esther, Rhiannon and Maggie--and a candle magick spell they cast one night.

BLURB:

A love to last a lifetime…or a dream turned to ash?

Spells, Secrets and Seductions, Book 3

When Esther goes along with her friend’s candle-magick spell, it’s not because she wants a lover. But a good old-fashioned one-night stand could be just what she needs to get her mind off Ryan Jameson. Having lost her father in the line of duty, she has no plans to lose her heart to a firefighter.

Not that Ryan doesn’t heat up her nightly dreams. Those erotic fantasies invariably end in deadly flames—a still-smoking echo of her ancestral namesake, whose wedding day ended in the fiery loss of her husband. A man whose dying breath was a promise to one day find his beloved.

All his life, Ryan’s dreams have taken him backward in time. As he matured, so did those dreams—erotic fantasies of a woman he loves but has yet to meet. Then he finds her in Burnt Cove. But she’s not only holding him at arm’s length, she refuses to acknowledge their time-proof bond.

On a magical Samhain night, undeniable desire is stronger than the walls around her heart. But time has one last test for them—one that will meld them into one, or drive them apart forever.

Product Warnings: This book contains a simple candle-magick spell, a hunky fireman, past lives, lost lovers and enough heat to start a bonfire.

Be sure to check out books 1 & 2--A Touch of Magick and Dreams of Seduction.

Lady's Minstrel by N.J. Walters

2011-10-05T16:24:00.000-04:00

Lady's Minstrel is now available from Ellora's Cave!

BLURB:

Alicia was barely a bride before her husband Reys left on Crusade, and she has waited six years for any word on his whereabouts. Without a strong lord, the castle is in a precarious position and it is only a matter of time until the king orders her to remarry or tries to take the keep by force.

When a mysterious hooded minstrel shows up at the castle, the man’s furtive actions lead Alicia to believe he is a spy. She confronts him—and discovers he is no stranger. Reys is scarred emotionally and physically by his years in a foreign prison. Now both are left wondering if there is a future for them or if the love they once shared is gone forever.

Read an Excerpt

Buy the Book

The dust has settled ...

2011-09-17T09:02:00.000-04:00

... and I am back. Not back to 'normal', of course -- we're in a new house, a new town and I have new routines that haven't been developed yet. But I am back to having regular Internet access and I'm slowly getting into a schedule.

I work at home now (telecommute to my job back in Minnesota and California), so that's been an adjustment. I truly love working out of a home office. Of course, I enjoy my job, so that helps a lot, too.

My other life as a fiction writer has been slowing down. I used to try to write at least an hour or two a day, but now I'm happy if I get an hour a day of writing-related activity, whether it be writing or promo or whatever. It seems like there is always something else that requires my attention -- new house stuff, or new town stuff, or new friend stuff.

I think in the winter I'll get more of a writing routine again. That's when I get all my best writing done anyway, so I'm starting to look forward to it. Let's face it, I had 8 books release this year: 4 new books and 4 re-releases. All before June. So I'm fatigued, I guess. I'm going to spread out my releases next year. One in January, one in May, one in October.

I think that'll keep me busy enough!

The Gift of Shayla by N.J. Walters

2011-09-14T10:22:00.000-04:00

I’m thrilled to announce that The Gift of Shayla is now available from Carina Press.

BLURB:

Adam Lancaster has been in love with Rob McKeith—and attracted to Rob’s wife, Shayla—for years, but he fears their friendship would be over if they knew the truth. So he’s thrilled when his secret fantasy becomes reality and the couple offers him a very special gift: a sensual Christmas Eve in their bedroom…

A Touch of Magick now in PRINT!

2011-09-07T15:19:00.001-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that A Touch of Magick is available in PRINT today from Samhain Publishing!

BLURB:

If you go casting love spells, be careful what you wish for.

Spells, Secrets and Seductions, Book 1

Rhiannon Sparks admits she’s not a very good witch—she can’t even light a candle without a match—but she keeps trying. At least her talent for business has made her magick shop a huge success. Now if only there was even the faintest flicker in her nonexistent love life.

During a night of eating and drinking, she and her girlfriends cast a candle-magick spell for hot sex. All in good fun, of course. Except Rhiannon accidentally mixes up the words. Instead of a lover, she asks for true love.

Deputy Ryland Stone’s past keeps him firmly rooted in reality. Then he meets Rhiannon and sparks literally fly. One date leads to another, and then they’re practically setting the bedroom on fire…until she reveals the deal breaker.

Though love and magick have found Rhiannon at last, getting a handle on her newly unleashed power is the least of her problems. Unless Ryland accepts that magick exists, he will never accept her for who and what she is.

Buy from Samhain Publishing

Buy from Amazon

September Newsletter Now Available!

2011-09-01T09:43:00.001-04:00

The September 2011 issue of Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—is now available.

Be sure to check out all the latest news, my husband’s popular column—Confessions of a Romance Author’s Husband—an excerpt, and this month’s interview with the wonderful B.J. McCall.

As always, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win is go to the Awakening Desires Newsletter and join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.

Two New Releases!

2011-09-01T09:40:00.001-04:00

I've got two new releases to share with you!

The first is Dreams of Seduction from Samhain Publishing. This book can be read as a stand alone read but is part of the Spells, Secrets and Seductions trilogy.

BLURB:

Spells, Secrets and Seductions, Book 2

Maggie O’Neill goes along with her two best friends’ candle-magick spell to summon a lover only because, well, they are her BFFs. She doesn’t really believe in this stuff. Yet the aftermath of the spell leaves her strangely hot and bothered, and then the dreams of a man start—and not just any man. Jed Bearson. Pity, since she’s sworn off men for the foreseeable future.

Jed, part-time deputy and painter, doesn’t tell many people that he has the ability to let his spirit travel outside his body. One night, despite his self-imposed rule to never invade anyone’s privacy, he follows an irresistible pull to Maggie’s bedside. He’s astounded to find her crying out his name in private pleasure. After months of giving her space, maybe it’s time to approach her.

Maggie and Jed’s first touch is lightning hot—and their passion is a thunderclap of erotic pleasure. But when Jed reveals he’s a spiritwalker, Maggie’s reaction is like a curtain of cold rain descending between them. Leaving him wondering what she’s afraid of. Magic? Him? Or of following her heart?

Read an Excerpt.

Buy the Book.

The next one is The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance, which contains my short story "Blind Date."

BLURB:

When her best friend sets her up on a blind date Audra Simmons is more than a little reluctant. She’s still trying to get over her break up with Tyson Brewer. It’s been eight long months since she’s seen him. She thought their relationship was headed somewhere special. Instead, it ended up in heartache.

She shows up at a local jazz bar for her “date” and is shocked to find it’s none other than her ex—Tyson. She thought she was over him, but it only takes one look for the passion to surge between them. He wants to talk. She wants a night of hot sex. This time, she’s going to be the one walking out the door.

But Tyson has a plan and it doesn’t include losing Audra for a second time.

Checking in!

2011-07-16T07:09:00.001-04:00

I've had a busy spring and thus I have been absent. What's been going on?

We're moving. We bought a new house 250 miles away. I'm able to telecommute with my current job (which I love), so we decided to move (long story best told over a drink in a bar).
We sold our current house. Didn't have to put it on the market. Long story best told over ... you get the idea.
I self-published 3 books from my backlist, that were returned to me. Check out my progress here. I also have books on Smashwords and one in print. That has kept me busy.
I had 3 books release in the last 4 months. Check the Deadly Landscape Romances here.
An older book finally came out in print. Woo!
I work full-time and have had major deadlines in the Day Job.
My health has been shaky for the last year or so. It got very shaky this year. I'm stable now but it's been an interesting trip through Medical Land.

And, of course, I'm still writing -- I have 2 books ready to self-publish, I have one in progress, I have one to edit and get ready.

So I'm sorry I haven't been here as often as I would like, but hey -- I've got an excuse! And I apologize in advance if you comment and I don't reply. I have no idea when my Internet service will be viable again.

I hope to get back to regular postings once the dust settles in the new house. Until then -- have a happy summer and keep on reading (and writing!)

New in PRINT!

2011-07-05T18:14:00.001-04:00

Isaiah's Haven is available in PRINT today from Samhain Publishing!

BLURB:

Isaiah Striker puts family first, the pack a distant second. Which is precisely the reason he’s in noisy, crowded Chicago instead of alone in his beloved woods. One look at the owner of Haven nightclub, however, and a simple favor for his brother turns into something else entirely.

Meredith Cross holds her small pack together with sheer determination. After years on the run, they hide in the glare of the city’s nightlife. Isaiah may heat her blood, but she can’t afford to risk the lives of the outcast half-breeds in her care. Once exposed, every bounty hunter and werewolf purist in smelling distance will hunt them down.

But when their sexual attraction spirals out of control, a moment’s distraction is all it takes to lead danger right to Meredith’s door. For Meredith there’s only one choice: her pack.

But Isaiah knows his mate when he sees her. And he’s not giving up without a fight.

BUY IT NOW!

New Book Available Today!

2011-06-29T11:01:00.001-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that MacNamara's Lady is available today from Ellora's Cave Publishing.

This is a stand alone read but anyone who has followed the Awakening Desires series will recognize both Missy and T.S.

BLURB:

Sixth in the Awakening Desires series.

Missy Sinclair knows what she wants out of life—a secure job, a fine home, financial independence and, eventually, a man to share it with. That man will have class and style, share her goals and tastes and like fine wine and classical music. Why then is she so attracted to T.S. MacNamara, who is the complete opposite?

T.S. makes no apologies to anyone for his life. He’s worked hard to make his general contracting business a success. He likes beer and football. He’s not looking for anything permanent. Problem is, he can’t stop wanting Missy.

When he rescues Missy from a violent mugging, the seething physical attraction that’s been shimmering between them for months finally explodes. Classy and rough, dark and light, educated and blue-collar. Opposites attract—at least in the bedroom. But they both have secrets that won’t stay buried…secrets that threaten to drive them apart unless they’re both willing to face their pasts.

Legacy Found available from Samhain Publishing!

2011-05-04T05:27:00.000-04:00

Today is the day! Legacy Found, my 50th book, is now available from Samhain Publishing. I can't tell you how exciting I am about the release of this book. It represents a huge milestone in my life and in my writing career. Plus, I love this story!

BLURB:

She outran her memories. She couldn’t outrun her past.

Legacy, Book 3

Shelley is a killer. Never mind that her “crime” freed her from thirty-five years of brutal captivity—the bounty hunters on her trail don’t care. For the first time in her life, she is on her own, free to put the past behind her and explore what it means to be a werewolf.

James Riley is dead tired. After a week untangling legal and financial affairs his brother’s death left behind, he’s feeling every ounce of his new responsibility as Wolf Creek pack alpha. He’s not too tired, though, to notice his sexy waitress is a werewolf—one that strangely doesn’t recognize him as one of her own kind.

After his questions rattle her composure and get her fired, Shelley figures the least James can do is drive her to the next town, but he wants more. He wants to take her home. And despite her fear, something inside her is irresistibly drawn to his commanding yet gentle presence.

James is willing to give Shelley all the time she needs to embrace her heritage, her sexuality, and eventually his love. But her past will not be denied...and her secrets demand a price paid in blood.

BUY THE BOOK

Read an Excerpt

Operation Auction

2011-03-30T10:55:00.006-04:00

Fatin Soufan has been an integral part of the romance community for years – she owns and runs the RR@H Novel Thoughts and Book Talk blog, is an administrator of the WriteMinded loop, an author assistant and a tireless advocate for romance novels. She is also a friend to many in this community. *

* On Tuesday, March 8th, she lost her husband in a senseless act of violence, leaving her alone with four children. You can read more about the tragedy here: http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/9233067/

The romance community is rallying around her to raise money for her and her family. Operation Auction is now live on eBay. Many authors, editors and others have donated items for this auction.

Batch One will be up March 27th at 12:01 am PDT, ending March 30th at 12:01am

Batch Two will be up March 28th at 12:01 am PDT, ending March 31st at 12:01am

Batch Three will be up March 29th at 12:01 am PDT, ending April 1st at 12:01am

All listings will run for three days.

Click here to see items

I have a book bundle--two signed print books--up for bid in Batch Two. Please help if you can.

Check out My Item up for Auction

Check out all the items up for auction at Operation Auction

A question of balance

2011-03-19T18:59:00.000-04:00

Like so many authors, I'm making a foray into self-publishing by uploading some old titles of mine. One book is out there -- it was called "Forgiveness" but I changed the title to "Penance" (my first choice for the book but I was overruled). I uploaded it last week. I hope to have the second book in the series uploaded soon and the third book in another month or so.

I figure this is a win-win for me. The rights were returned to me on these books, and I'm not out-of-pocket much (just the cost of cover art and formatting). I haven't done much promotion yet for the book(s). I hope to get to that once the Great House Hunt settles down.

Yes, we're hunting and we thought we had the perfect house. Sweet little layout, nice property, yada yada yada ... then we met with the owner and he gestured grandly toward the pasture in the distance. "That's where they say they might build the highway, but they've been talking about that for 30 years so ..."

SCREECH. Yep, we ground to a halt. My husband (bless him) immediately started calling the DOT, the mayor, the Planning Commission -- so small feat since we live in Minnesota and the house is in Iowa. The bottom line? The road will be built. Maybe 5 years, maybe 10. Maybe sooner. No one is sure.

So it's back to house hunting, which is a nice diversion from promotion, which is a nice diversion from house hunting. Maybe I'm finally getting this whole 'balance' thing figured out. It's just a matter of juggling the right kind of balls at the same time ....

Woven Dreams--One Hot Cover

2011-03-09T06:21:00.002-05:00

Naughty Edition Reviews has featured Woven Dreams as one of it's "Hawttest Book Covers!

BLURB:

In Javara, women are scarce and brothers must share a woman, although only one can claim her as a wife. Scarred and maimed from a battle fought almost a year ago, Jarmon Bakra is afraid chances are slim that he and his twin brother, Garrik, will find a bride.

While on a hunting trip, the brothers stumble upon a woman claiming to be a tapestry bride. Now that fate has dropped a beautiful, courageous woman in their path, they will both use all their sexual skills separately and together to convince her to stay.

But Genny has secrets of her own and they have only three days to uncover the truth.

How nice to be back

2011-02-19T01:42:00.000-05:00

I took a month off (in a way) and just spent the time writing and doing a little bit of promo for my book(s) that released.

I also redesigned my web site, making it a web slog--web site blog combination (see it here). I hadn't planned on redesigning my web site, but hosting issue meant I lost my old site, so I had to do something, and that seemed like a good idea.

I also started a regular gig blogging at two or three different sites. I blog at Savvy Authors and at the How To Write Shop as well as From the Heart Romance Writers. Each of them, once a month. That's always fun.

And, of course, there are the books to talk about. It seems like there are always books to talk about. Leap of Faith is the 3rd book in my New Human series (and it got a 4-star RT review, which thrilled me)!

Lie to Me is the 4th book in my RS series that started with Brilliant Disguise, a few years back.

And I have 3 more books (at least 3) releasing this year: they start in April then there's one in May, and one in June. Plus, if I get organized, I'll have 3 more old books (whose rights reverted to me) releasing in digital and print on Kindle, etc.

So much for time off!

Be My Moon

2011-02-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Be My Moon released on Tuesday! I'm so excited!

Buy Link

Blurb: Hilary is enjoying a night under the full moon when out of nowhere, comes a man. His first words are to ask her name so that he knows what to call her when he has her under him.

Rourke has been looking for another Moon Person for years and can’t resist Hilary’s scent. They are alike and the power release when they have sex is out of this world.

Only Hilary can’t quite believe the lore that Rourke is telling her about them, even though it makes so much sense. She can’t be a Moon Person. But when danger lurks and forcibly takes Rourke away from her, she can’t imagine life without him. It might be too late, but she has to try and get him back to ask whether he will be her moon.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse.

To read an Excerpt

I shall be dancing under the moon! And visiting Loose Id's home page for a while!

Mechele Armstrong
www.mechelearmstrong.com

A Book for Valentine's Day!

2011-02-09T05:27:00.000-05:00

Looking for a romantic read? Check out my Ellora's Cave Quickie, Anastasia's Style. It's a Valentine's Day romance with lots of love and plenty of HEAT!

BLURB:

Anastasia Style, owner of Hassle-free Holidays, is having anything but a hassle-free Valentine's Day. Her normally reliable car has a flat and she has a delivery to make for a last minute, lucrative client. And if that wasn't enough to make a woman crazy, she still has to make it to her lawyer's office in time to sign her divorce papers.

She just has to set the stage for her client's romantic evening and then she's off to her lawyer's office to officially end her marriage to Mason Style. Except her client has other ideas about how Anastasia will be spending her evening, and he has no intention of ever letting her go.

Read an Excerpt

Buy the Book

Groundhog Day!

2011-02-02T05:40:00.001-05:00

Today is Groundhog Day, and those of us in the United States and Canada watch carefully every year on this day to see what the groundhog will do. According to folklore, if the groundhog emerges from its burrow, that means winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees its shadow and goes back to its burrow we will have six more weeks of winter.

Some famous groundhogs who have helped predict our fate over the years are Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil, Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam and Alberta's Balzac Billy.

Personally, with all the bad weather hitting us I don't think it matters what the groundhog has to say this year. Winter is here and it isn't going anywhere for a while yet.

Happy Groundhog Day!

If You're Looking for a Quick Holiday Read

2010-12-22T11:44:00.000-05:00

Getting back to normal (what is normal?)

2010-12-18T15:09:00.000-05:00

I was scheduled to blog last month but I just couldn't -- a first for me. I normally can blog at the drop of a hat. But my blog days came on the heels of my mother's death, and I didn't have the energy to come up with a topic while my mind was wrapped around her passing.

She had been ill for several months, but she wasn't in pain, so at least we didn't have to help her through that. And I was with her when she died, something I wanted to do for her at the end. I was able to hold her as she died and be with her at the end. So all in all: it worked out okay.

The death of a parent (or anyone close to you) really inspires reflection, I think. Two days before Mom died, I had a book release. I was scheduled to blog and chat about the book and I just canceled it all. Now here I am, a month later, and I'm ready to consider that kind of activity again. And you know what? That book is still waiting for me to promote it. I am SO glad I'm with a small publisher. That book will be out there, waiting for purchase, waiting for download, for MONTHS to come. There is no rush for me to promote it or push it or worry about it leaving the shelves. It's there and will be there for a long time to come, giving me the time to deal with it.

November was the month of Marge Wilson. Now it's December and I'll start to focus on the future. And it's so nice knowing that I don't have to rush, or worry about any deadlines or disappearing books. My Mom is still there for me, in my memory, and my book is still there, waiting for me to promote it. That sound you hear? It's me, sighing and relaxing after a stressful end of the year...

Here's the book, by the way. Just a random promo op:

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

2010-11-24T05:18:00.003-05:00

I know it's not until tomorrow, but I just wanted to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving Day. We all have so much to be thankful for. I know I count my blesssings every day.

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with family, friends and good food. If you're travelling, stay safe.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

Absent today

2010-11-20T07:09:00.000-05:00

My mother's funeral was yesterday and I am out of town, with the family. So no blog today. I'll be back next month.

A Touch of Magick Now Available!

2010-10-27T06:01:00.000-04:00

A Touch of Magick, by N.J. Walters, is now available from Samhain Publishing! I'm so excited about this first book in the Spells, Secrets and Seductions trilogy.

BLURB: A TOUCH OF MAGICK

If you go casting love spells, be careful what you wish for.

Spells, Secrets and Seductions, Book 1

Rhiannon Sparks admits she’s not a very good witch—she can’t even light a candle without a match—but she keeps trying. At least her talent for business has made her magick shop a huge success. Now if only there was even the faintest flicker in her nonexistent love life.

During a night of eating and drinking, she and her girlfriends cast a candle-magick spell for hot sex. All in good fun, of course. Except Rhiannon accidentally mixes up the words. Instead of a lover, she asks for true love.

Deputy Ryland Stone’s past keeps him firmly rooted in reality. Then he meets Rhiannon and sparks literally fly. One date leads to another, and then they’re practically setting the bedroom on fire…until she reveals the deal breaker.

Though love and magick have found Rhiannon at last, getting a handle on her newly unleashed power is the least of her problems. Unless Ryland accepts that magick exists, he will never accept her for who and what she is.

Product Warnings:
This book contains a simple candle-magick spell, which you use at your own risk, a disastrous date, phone sex, and enough sizzle to practically set the sheets on fire.

Buy the Book

Please allow me to rant

2010-10-16T06:32:00.002-04:00

My aunt lives in Iowa, near my mother, so I see both of them regularly. One cousin lives near me in Minnesota, another in town near my aunt. My cousins talked my aunt into getting a cat two years ago, and she (my aunt) is just not happy with him (Sam, the kitty).

Let me hasten to say that Sam is just being a cat. Sometimes nosy, sometimes demanding, sometimes stand-offish. I have 4 cats of my own and have owned a LOT of cats in my day. Sam is just a cat.

Now my aunt is moving into assisted living and while she can have a pet (the AL folks are pretty hip that way), she doesn't want to move Sam. So she's asked me to help find him a home.

Why me? you ask. Why not her own kids?

Here's why: because I care. Because I will make the phone calls, post the pictures, shake the trees to find this sweet cat a home. The shelters here are overcrowded because of floods that displaced a lot of people, so there's just no place for him. To be honest, I don't know what his fate will be. My cousins may press her to have him put down.

A lovable, neutered, ready-to-play cat.

I've had to endure the euthanasia of a pet because of old age or illness. I can't fathom doing that because an animal is inconvenient.

So I'll keep making phone calls and post pictures and hope for the best. It's really all I can do because those who can -- do. Those who can and don't -- are assholes.

End rant. Thank you for letting me vent.

Halloween Books

2010-10-13T05:52:00.003-04:00

Looking for some books to read this Halloween season? I know I'm always looking for new ones myself.

Check out the Halloween Page on my website for a look at all my vampire/werewolf/paranormal books. You just might find something you like.

Entwined Hearts Available Today!

2010-09-29T09:08:00.001-04:00

Entwined Hearts by Nicole Austin, N.J. Walters, T.J. Michaels and Ciana Stone is available today from Ellora's Cave! This is the fifth and final book in the Hearts of Fire series.

Each of the first four books can be read as a stand-alone book. Entwined Hearts is the culmination of the four couples adventure as they face evil one final time--this time together!

BLURB:

Book five in the Hearts of Fire series.

The Chosen. Eight strong individuals gifted with unique paranormal abilities and tasked with protecting shards of an ancient crystal—the Heart of Fire.

Brought together by destiny, each couple has managed to bond and fuse their crystal pairs through a hot and intense sexual joining. The four couples have overcome great personal challenges and remained apart, preparing to face an ancient evil once again.

Now the time has come for the eight Chosen to join forces and defeat Asmodeus, Prince of Hell, once and for all. Their plan is clear yet complex—activate a hidden energy network, gather on spiritual lands and fight an epic battle between good and evil, which will impact mankind for eternity.

Of course, nothing ever goes as planned. And Asmodeus has some tricks the Chosen never anticipated.

Read an Excerpt

BUY THE BOOK

Oh, this writerly life

2010-09-18T08:47:00.002-04:00

It seems like every time I turn around, some new surprise is happening in the little niche of the publishing world with which I am familiar. People are changing publishers, publishers are changing policies, agents quit to become editors or vice versa.

I'm not sure if it's just because I'm getting older, but it seems like the pace of this is happening faster and faster. Or maybe it's because I'm still not sure where I'm going with this career of mine.

There's nothing wrong with where I am. I have a lot of books out, I enjoy writing, I enjoy my day job, and I like the way it all fits together. But I always have this nagging feeling that maybe I should be doing more -- looking for an agent, or looking for a New York contract, or trying to self-publish, or doing a bit more promo.

I wonder if this is just human nature, to constantly wonder: Am I doing enough?

And just when I think this kind of thinking is important, someone gets ill and I discover what the really important things are in life. I think a health crisis for a loved one is a reminder to us: it's really just a job, people. Don't sweat it. There are other things far, far more important in this world.

New Review and New Cover

2010-09-15T05:23:00.003-04:00

Siren Book Reviews has given Lassoing Lara 5 Siren Stones! Here's a snippet of what the reviewer had to say:

"This is a delightfully funny and sexy story, that was such a great read. As a NJ Walters fan, she doesn't let us down in this sexy romance. You will really want to read this one over and over again."

~Yvette Lowe, Siren Book Reviews

You can read the entire review at Siren Book Reviews.

Check out the new cover for A Touch Of Magick, which will be releasing from Samhain Publishing on October 26th.

BLURB:

If you go casting love spells, be careful what you wish for.

Spells, Secrets and Seductions, Book 1

Rhiannon Sparks admits she’s not a very good witch—she can’t even light a candle without a match—but she keeps trying. At least her talent for business has made her magick shop a huge success. Now if only there was even the faintest flicker in her nonexistent love life.

During a night of eating and drinking, she and her girlfriends cast a candle-magick spell for hot sex. All in good fun, of course. Except Rhiannon accidentally mixes up the words. Instead of a lover, she asks for true love.

Deputy Ryland Stone’s past keeps him firmly rooted in reality. Then he meets Rhiannon and sparks literally fly. One date leads to another, and then they’re practically setting the bedroom on fire…until she reveals the deal breaker.

Though love and magick have found Rhiannon at last, getting a handle on her newly unleashed power is the least of her problems. Unless Ryland accepts that magick exists, he will never accept her for who and what she is.

Warning: This book contains a simple candle-magick spell, which you use at your own risk, a disastrous date, phone sex, and enough sizzle to practically set the sheets on fire.

September Newsletter Now Available!

2010-09-01T12:16:00.001-04:00

The September issue of Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—is now available! Be sure and check out all the latest news, an excerpt from my upcoming release and more.

As always, you can find my husband’s popular column: Confessions of a Romance Author’s Husband.

As well, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win is go to Awakening Desires Newsletter and join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.

Blogs, time management, and life

2010-08-21T08:01:00.001-04:00

For some reason, the way it worked out, I blogged three times last week and a couple of times this week, at various spots. I either set up blogs somewhere to be released, I blogged that day, or I had a scheduled blog release.

I was at a writer's meeting and we were talking about social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and I mentioned scheduling blogs and tweets. Most folks hadn't heard about that, so I told them how it works and many folks had a "wow" moment -- you can blog when YOU feel like it about something that you're curious about, schedule it, and let it go when you need a blog. What a great convenience!

I think people often feel tied to their computers because they "should" do something at a certain time, but scheduling makes life so much easier. In fact, I'm off to schedule some blogs right now!

In case you're curious, here's where I blogged last week:

http://tinyurl.com/2bxowh4: I had a Tarot card reading for one of my characters. This is SO cool.

http://tinyurl.com/3xe7de7: I blogged at Savvy Authors about the changes in publishing, at Dorchester, etc., and what I thought it meant to readers (probably nothing).

http://tinyurl.com/296uphyI blogged at Star-Crossed Romance about why I write paranormal fiction (because I'm sick of politics).

I scheduled all of those ahead of time, in some cases weeks in advance. I take advantage of any time saver I can. There's a lot of them out there -- find them an use it to help you manage your precious free time!

Author Interview!

2010-08-18T11:35:00.003-04:00

I'm over at Happily Ever After Reviews today talking about writing, life and my upcoming release, Out of Shadows. Drop by and check it out.

Only two more days until release day!

xPost - See you at the movies!

2010-08-17T23:02:00.002-04:00

(This is x-posted from my blog over at the Romance Studio this Wednesday. Hope you enjoy it!)

I was sitting in my room bugging the hell out of my daughter to help me come up with a blog subject. And guess what? Neither of us could come up with a single thing to talk about. So my next natural train of thought was, ‘what new book do I have coming out’ in hopes of coming up with a loosely related subject to blog about. No luck…sort of.

Death and Roses is releasing next month from Ellora’s Cave as part of the Hunters for Hire Sci-Fi continuity series. Death and Roses is an erotic romance about a female Super Soldier who meets up with the soldier she believes killed the only man who’s ever loved her. There's more to every author than just writing, writing, writing, right? *say that 10 times really fast* And since I really don’t like talking about my books all the time, I wanted to think of something 'not' bookish. My upcoming sci-fi led me to another thought: FUTURISTIC MOVIES!

I am absolutely thrilled that Resident Evil 4: Afterlife is coming out on September 10^th in 3D and Imax 3D! *tj dancing around doing a very high pitched squeeee!* I’m totally excited because I like series. Love them, in fact. It doesn’t matter whether the series is done in film or book form, I totally heart them. To be honest, my wallet takes a bit of a beating because when I buy a book in a series, or watch a movie in a series and I love it…I gotta have the whole darn thing!

If you’re not familiar with the Resident Evil franchise, it started with the first movie where Alice (Milla Jovovich - remember her in Fifth Element? No? <---Here’s a picture of her in that movie from 1997) is an amnesiac who doesn’t remember that she works as an operative for a nasty bio-agent manufacturer called the Umbrella Corporation. Then she gets her memory back. That’s real bad news for the bad guys considering her character kicks major ass. I think that’s why I love Alice – any book I write has to have a heroine that can hold her own, which Alice does in spades.

Each Resident Evil movie carries along that same story line of ‘get the bad guys’, but if that’s true, what makes me anticipate this new one? Well, the last movie not only killed off the gorgeous Oded Fehr (gorgeous guy to the right--->), but pretty much made it look as if no one exists on Earth but poor Alice. Her last line in movie number three to the bad guys who’d gone underground to hide was, “Hello boys. I’m coming for you. And I’m bringing a few of my friends.” A few of her friends turns out to be a room several stories high full of clones…of herself.

Hell, one Alice is hard enough to deal with. I’m wondering what they’re going to do with hundreds of her…or will they do anything at all?

Now, I don’t know if Blogger will let me do this, so if it doesn’t work, hop over to my personal blog to take a look at the trailer at TJ Michaels dot com.

See you at the movies!

TJ is an award winning multi-published author of contemporary, paranormal and multicultural romance who’s even managed a couple of CAPA nominations from The Romance Studio!

Visit her on Twitter, Facebook and of course her own site.
Visit her publishers at Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing and Pocket Books

Alexandra's Legacy Now in Print!

2010-08-11T15:04:00.002-04:00

Alexandra's Legacy, the first book in my Legacy werewolf series, is now available in PRINT!

BLURB:

The truth will set her free…or get her killed.

Alexandra Riley’s day starts out like any other in her normal, predictable world. Then a tall, dark stranger bursts into her father’s garage and shatters the illusion. In one shocking moment, she discovers why she’s been feeling hot, restless—she’s the half-breed daughter of a legendary werewolf and is a much-sought-after prize.

Joshua Striker, enforcer in charge of protecting the alphas of the Wolf Creek pack, has come to take Alex home. Nothing more, nothing less. From the first moment he sees her, she becomes the one thing he can’t afford—a distraction from his duty. A weakness he doesn’t want—but can’t resist needing.

If only keeping her safe was as simple as fending off males on the hunt for a mate. Through city streets to the mountains of North Carolina, Alex and Joshua have to evade those who don’t want their pure bloodlines tainted with human DNA, as well as bounty hunters who think the only good werewolf is a dead one.

What Joshua and Alex can’t outrun is the passion that flares between them—or the choice Alex must eventually face. Whether to claim her inner wolf, or forfeit her chance to claim Joshua as her own.

Product Warnings: This book contains sexy werewolves, rogue werewolves, nasty bounty hunters, a mysterious vampire and plenty of hot sexual interludes that will raise your blood pressure.

You can BUY my books at My Bookstore and More.

NEW RELEASES!

2010-08-04T07:33:00.002-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that Isaiah's Haven is now available from Samhain Publishing. This is the second book in my Legacy werewolf series.

BLURB:

Love comes howling when—and where—you least expect it.

Legacy, Book 2

Isaiah Striker puts family first, the pack a distant second. Which is precisely the reason he’s in noisy, crowded Chicago instead of alone in his beloved woods. One look at the owner of Haven nightclub, however, and a simple favor for his brother turns into something else entirely.

Meredith Cross holds her small pack together with sheer determination. After years on the run, they hide in the glare of the city’s nightlife. Isaiah may heat her blood, but she can’t afford to risk the lives of the outcast half-breeds in her care. Once exposed, every bounty hunter and werewolf purist in smelling distance will hunt them down.

But when their sexual attraction spirals out of control, a moment’s distraction is all it takes to lead danger right to Meredith’s door. For Meredith there’s only one choice: her pack.

But Isaiah knows his mate when he sees her. And he’s not giving up without a fight.

Product Warnings: This book contains hot sex, a jazzy nightclub, sexy werewolves, rogue werewolves, nasty bounty hunters, a mysterious vampire, and did I mention hot sex?

If that wasn't enough, I'm also celebrating the fact that Alexandra's Legacy is now available in PRINT!

BLURB:

The truth will set her free…or get her killed.

Legacy, Book 1

Alexandra Riley’s day starts out like any other in her normal, predictable world. Then a tall, dark stranger bursts into her father’s garage and shatters the illusion. In one shocking moment, she discovers why she’s been feeling hot, restless—she’s the half-breed daughter of a legendary werewolf and is a much-sought-after prize.

Joshua Striker, enforcer in charge of protecting the alphas of the Wolf Creek pack, has come to take Alex home. Nothing more, nothing less. From the first moment he sees her, she becomes the one thing he can’t afford—a distraction from his duty. A weakness he doesn’t want—but can’t resist needing.

If only keeping her safe was as simple as fending off males on the hunt for a mate. Through city streets to the mountains of North Carolina, Alex and Joshua have to evade those who don’t want their pure bloodlines tainted with human DNA, as well as bounty hunters who think the only good werewolf is a dead one.

What Joshua and Alex can’t outrun is the passion that flares between them—or the choice Alex must eventually face. Whether to claim her inner wolf, or forfeit her chance to claim Joshua as her own.

Product Warnings: This book contains sexy werewolves, rogue werewolves, nasty bounty hunters, a mysterious vampire and plenty of hot sexual interludes that will raise your blood pressure.

You can BUY my books at My Bookstore and More.

It's just one of those days...

2010-07-17T21:25:00.000-04:00

I have been struggling with my current WIP for a month. I know -- doesn't sound like too long, does it? Keep in mind I normally write a book in 8 weeks so a month -- wasted -- is a lot of time for me.

But has it been wasted? I'm one of those writers who can't proceed on a book unless the first 3 chapters are right. I've written chapter 2 and 3 several times, and I think I've finally gotten the characters figured out. I think I have a good idea of what will be happening (but I'm vague on some of it. That's okay, though. It's how I work).

Yet, for some reason, I just can't get my HEAD into this story. Whenever I write I have to willingly enter the world and allow it to share space with my "real world." And I just haven't been able to do that lately. Not sure why. It's a story that intrigues me, but...

Perhaps it's part of my general malaise about publishing, etc. (the old "Why do I bother doing this?" blues). Maybe I'm asking too much of myself. I've had 3 books release already this year, 2 more to go, and that means promo, etc.. I've been to conferences, I've had big deadlines at my Paycheck Job...

I'm going to give it another week to really get my head THERE and if it doesn't work, I'll put it aside. I hate to do it. I always try to finish what I start, as soon as I can. But if the story isn't there, it just isn't.

Sigh. Sometimes it's just one of those...months.

Lassoing Lara Now Available!

2010-07-14T08:55:00.000-04:00

Lassoing Lara is now available from Ellora's Cave Publishing. This is the second Quickie about one of the Courage brothers from Texas. The first one is Tempting Tori. The third and final one is in the works.

BLURB:

Brody Courage wakes up after a night out with his brothers and finds himself naked and tied to his bed with no idea how he’s gotten there. Just when he thinks he’s going to have to rip apart the headboard to get himself loose, he hears someone entering the house. He thinks it’s one of his brothers and calls out for help, but it’s Lara Jacobs, his childhood friend and neighbor.

He’s humiliated to have to ask her help and swears her to secrecy. She’s quiet and pale and leaves after releasing only one arm. When Brody finally gets himself out of bed, he finds a pair of red lace panties stuck near the footboard—a perfect match for the red bra he’d glimpsed Lara wearing when she bent over to untie him. It’s then his memories of the night before start to flood back. He spent one hell of a night in bed with his neighbor.

Now he wants another. One he can remember. But there’s the little problem of Lara avoiding him…

NEW RELEASE: DARK SIDE OF DREAMING by Ann Bruce

2010-07-07T05:00:00.004-04:00

Dark Side of Dreaming will be released July 9 and, yes, I do know that title is a mouthful--and, no, that comment wasn't meant to be suggestive.

Awkwardness out of the way...

This romantic suspense is the one that was started almost two years ago but was rewritten a dozen times because I kept going WTF am I writing?!? When I was finally somewhat satisfied with it, I sent it to my editor who probably thought I'd forgotten about her, and she said--or wrote--all the right things because she's just that awesome. Is the book awesome? I don't know. Find out for yourself.

The Blurb

When she finds herself bound to a stranger's bed, former cat burglar Cleo Moran knows she should've stayed in retirement. However, the thought of ending the cursed dreams that plague her sleeping hours was simply too enticing to resist.

At first, Sasha Michaels wants only his captive's professional expertise and contacts to track down the man who crippled his sister. Then Cleo wakes up and, with words and action, stirs something much more primitive within him.

Cleo feels the strong pull too but knows better than to act upon it. Neither understanding nor willing to accept her resistance, Sasha attempts to bind Cleo to him with sexual ties. Their time together, however, is jeopardized by secrets on both sides and a common enemy who is escalating in violence.

The Excerpt

She liked bondage as much as the next girl.

Cleo, however, didn't think her current bound state was a prelude to more enjoyable things.

She yanked on the rope that secured her hands together and tethered them to something above her head. There was some give as the cloth-covered rope stretched, but not nearly enough. Stubbornness being a trait of all Moran women, she tried again. And again. And again.

A small noise of frustration escaped her throat.

Despite the dull, throbbing pain in her head, she decided more leverage was needed and twisted on the bed and sat up. And noticed the man seated in the armchair in the far corner of the room. He was immersed in the shadows that swathed the room so she saw nothing but a menacing outline blacker than the surrounding darkness. His silent regard felt like a thick blanket suffocating her senses.

Fear made her mouth go dry and her skin prickle with heat and sweat.

It was a full minute before she found her voice, a little hoarser than usual, but she lifted her chin to compensate. "Did you enjoy the show?"

No response. Not even so much as a muscle twitch. Her chest noticeably rose and fell with each shortened breath.

"Are the police on their way?"

More silence, and the lump in her throat grew.

"I need that statue more than you need another dust collector." She was babbling, knew it and couldn't stop herself. "It needs to be returned to its rightful home."

The silence continued and agitation flickered through her, slicing past the fear.

"Look, I tried the legal route, but you flatly refused all of my offers. I had no other choice."

A whisper of cloth on leather. He'd moved. Finally. She was beginning to think he was a statue himself. Then he rose, an imposing shadow that made her very aware of the pulse thrumming in her throat. He came toward the bed, stopping at the foot, and moonlight, stark and chilly, spilled over him.

He'd never be labeled handsome, but she couldn't tear her eyes away. Formidable frame, dark hair, deep-set eyes, broad face with rough-hewn features that looked as if they'd been carved of the same stone as the statue. Unlike the statue, his face was mask-like with its lack of expression. It took a concerted effort to ignore the tiny voice that urged her to cower against the headboard.

"Cleo Moran."

The sound of her name spoken by that deep, cold voice sent a jolt through her. Of course he knew her name. His administrative assistant had passed on enough messages from her in the past three months. And the man was reputed to be a shark, so he would remember the name of the woman who'd tried repeatedly to buy a relic for several times more than its appraised value.

"If I wouldn't sell the statue to you, what makes you think I'd just let you steal it?"

Absurdly, she winced. Steal had such an ugly ring to it.

"You weren't supposed to have a say in the matter."

A corner of his mouth quirked up and she was amazed his face didn't crack. In fact, it sent a shiver of sensation snaking along her spine.

"I'm the one who should be angry, not you," he said, the ice in his voice thawing. He slid a hand inside the front pocket of his trousers and his regard changed, feeling almost like a touch.

Jittery, but from more than simple fear, she brought her hands up and pulled back the strands of chin-length hair that fell over her eyes and clung to her lips. "You weren't supposed to come back here tonight."

A dark slash of a brow lifted and, without a hint of pique, he drawled, "So, the enthusiasm in my date tonight was faked."

She cursed her babbling tongue. Well, she'd never encountered this situation before and there wasn't a For Dummies guide that covered it.

"Unfortunately for you, I need more than a pretty face and man-made assets to entice me." A degree of heat wrapped around his voice. "Then I come home and you waltz in."

She had trouble filling her lungs with oxygen. "What now?"

His eyes glittered darkly. "Since the woman you hired to distract me didn't do her job, why don't you?"

She licked suddenly dry lips. "I'd rather you call the police."

Copyright © 2010 by Ann Bruce. All rights reserved.

If you want a chance to win a copy of Dark Side of Dreaming, check out The Not-so-deep Thoughts.

The land that time forgot

2010-06-19T14:06:00.000-04:00

I'm visiting my mother in the small town where I grew up, lo, those many years ago. This truly is a reflection of what life used to be like as seen in movies and magazines.

Children ride their bike to the local swimming pool. People sleep with their doors unlocked. Cars are parked on the street with windows rolled down. There's a fish-fry on Friday to benefit the Kiwanis, and a party in the park to celebrate July 4th.

I could go on and on, but one thing yesterday really just made me love this place even more. I went to the grocery store. My purchases were tidily bagged for me and carried out by a young man of below-average intelligence. He, like all bag boys, wore a white shirt, black pants, and black necktie. He wheeled my cart out with my purchases and tucked them into my car, chatting pleasantly with me about the weather and town. I mentioned it later to a friend and she said the store owners train the bag boys to be polite, social, and courteous.

No kidding.

I wish I could bottle this place and carry with me whenever I go to a loud, not-so-charming urban area. I want to remember that places like this do, still exist. I write about them in my books (obligatory pointer to promotion here) and I really am not exaggerating. Places like this do exist.

Thank heavens.

CONTEST: PARKER'S PRICE by Ann Bruce

2010-06-16T06:00:00.003-04:00

At my high school, we used to raise money by holding slave auctions. Students, girls and guys, would volunteer themselves as slaves for a day and be sold to the highest bidder. A lot of the girls volunteered to be slaves knowing their boyfriends would be obligated to buy them. Me, I preferred to do the buying because there was too many people in high school who would've loved to humiliate me as payback for my smart mouth.

One year, at the end of an auction, someone ran up onto the makeshift stage and made a bid for me. I glared at him but he didn't take back the bid. I remember thinking that he probably wanted me to do his homework or some such nonsense because while he was--and still is--very, very cute, he wasn't gifted academically. When I said, "No way in hell," but in much nicer terms because teachers were present, he upped the bid. And I, rather ungraciously, gave in.

Turns out, he only wanted to see me take my hair down--and walk two steps behind him all day.

Many years later, I took that high school incident, wildly embellished it because that's what writers do, and turned it into Parker's Price, a contemporary romance that has "all the alpha-male goodness of a category romance combined with all the hands-on, sizzling attraction heat of an erotic romance" (Night Owl Reviews).

She was sexy, smart...and not for sale. But that won't stop him.

When Parker Quinn is forced to accept an outrageously high bid at a charity auction, she has no choice but to go out with the last man on earth she wants to spend time with. Dean Maxwell may be one of Manhattan's most eligible bachelors, but he's also the man who had an affair with her sister and abandoned her when she became pregnant with his child.

Dean doesn't know why Parker hates him so much, but he's determined to show Parker the type of man he really is. Whisking her away to a private island in the Bahamas for a sensual, sun-drenched week together, Dean leaves Parker's preconceptions shattered and her desires inflamed.

But even as their passion reaches irresistible heights, Parker has a decision to make. Can she allow herself to fall for the seductive magnate, or will family secrets and a dangerous ex tear them apart?

To celebrate my first contemporary romance, I'll give away an e-copy of Parker's Price to one commenter here.

If that's not enough, I'm also giving away three (3) $50 Amazon gift certificates on my blog, The Not-so-deep Thoughts.

Lassoing Lara Contest

2010-06-09T05:33:00.001-04:00

To celebrate the upcoming release of my Ellora's Cave Quickie, Lassoing Lara, I'm holding a contest. Go to my website and click on my "contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Audio Book!

2010-05-26T06:12:00.001-04:00

Tempting Tori, my Ellora's Cave Quickie, is now available in Audio Book! I'm very excited. It's cool to hear someone reading your book...strange, but cool. *g*

BLURB:

Standing in the barn, looking out over his ranch, J.T. Courage knows there is nowhere else on earth he’d rather be. He has his brothers, a successful horse business and a new home on the land that’s belonged to his family for generations. The only thing missing is someone to share it all with. And he has just the woman in mind.

Victoria Abrams is leaving the man she loves. She can no longer pretend he will one day see her as more than a friend or housekeeper. But J.T. is not about to let the sexy woman who has tempted him for months with her lush body and beautiful face slip away without a fight.

Download a Sample!

Free time, hmm. What is it good for?

2010-05-14T19:53:00.000-04:00

I had some free time today.

This is very unusual for me. I work full-time outside the home. I write (I've got 6 books out this year). I'm working on edits for 3 books for next year, my WIP is a 6-book series, and I've got 2 other books waiting for me to write them.

Through an odd quirk of fate, I had a few hours of free time. I thought about how to spend it -- do some gardening? Nope, still too soggy from a week of rain. Pack for my trip tomorrow? Mostly done. Just a few last things to do. Read a book?

That stopped me in my tracks. I don't read any more. Since I started publishing, I very, very seldom read a fiction book. I do read non-fiction now and again, and I read the occasional book from friends who are publishing and I read (now and again) someone that I'm curious about, but I seldom read start-to-finish, "I want to read this" any more.

I've lost the reading bug.

Let me hasten to say I don't miss it -- reading (like needlework and gardening and wycinanki) are activities I do to relax me and have fun at the same time. I never classed reading as 'entertainment' (like I would a movie). It was a hobby, a "thing" I did. Now I don't do it any more, just like I don't do much needlework or wycinanki (aging eyes make those hobbies a chore now, not fun). And I have to admit, I don't miss reading fiction. I was skimming most of the books I read anyway except for a few from authors I really cherished (and they are few, believe me).

Nope, I'm going to have to find something else to fill those rare few hours of 'free' time. I could do the obligatory piece of promo: NEW BOOK OUT. FUN READ. FUNNY HEROINE. CLASSY HERO. All about a college professor who writes erotic romances and gets outed just when she's up for a promotion. There's a murder (at the State Fair, no less), a stalker, a boorish fellow professor, and a fan who is in love with the heroine's erotic alter ego...

Or I can take a nap, or lay on the couch and watch a bit of TV, or ...

Get caught up on my blog reading!

Mother's Day thoughts...

2010-05-09T11:53:00.002-04:00

It’s Mother’s Day today here in the US and I’m up early drinking my hot tea and thinking about the day.

We’ll be meeting up with one of my sisters and her family in a few hours to have some Mother’s Day lunch, but I’m sitting here as I do every year hoping that I’ve been a good mother, and that I haven’t warped the kid too badly :) I mean let’s face it, all parents warp their children in some way—it’s just the amount and severity, right? :)

I know that’s probably not a ‘normal’ way to spend the start of Mother’s Day, but it’s something I’ve done since the very first year, and it just kind of stuck. Taking stock is a good way to give myself sort of a ‘report card’ and see what I can improve on in the new year.

So what did I find?

Well, I’ve really lucked out by having an amazing kidlet who makes this whole ‘mother’ job easier than it might have been. The kidlet gets pretty good grades (we’re struggling a big with honors chemistry this year, but it’s not for lack of trying), he doesn’t get into trouble and he hangs out with good kids who won’t warp him much more than we have already. (Hey, I was a band kid, too, I know how that goes...lol!) He’s got a terrific sense of humor, an easygoing personality and a great outlook on life. He loves with his whole heart and feels things very deeply – which can be both a blessing and a curse, but one that I think allows him to experience life to the fullest. He’s got a good moral compass, is very compassionate and full of curiosity for life. He got his permit several months ago and his driving is coming along well, even on the stick shift. Yeah, we’ve got some normal teenage stuff like leaving socks on the floor and having to remind him to do chores, but he’s a terrific kid, and I’m thankful each and every day to have this wonderful person in my life.

As for me...well, I’m not as strict as I sometimes should be about making him get those chores done, and when I’m not, the hubby steps in and evens that out. (We’re a very good parenting team in that sense.) But I’ve also got some good stuff going for me. I feel like the kidlet can come and talk to me about anything and does. We’re very close, but he is also an independent, stand on his own kid. He’s much more confident than I was at his age, and I can see he’s already worked through issues that it took me well into adulthood to work out!

He also saw me start to go after my dream (writing) in my early 30’s and he’s seen both all the hard work and the perks as each book comes out and hits the shelves. I think because of that, he’s allowed himself to think outside the box when it comes to upcoming careers for himself. But he’s also seen me take a part time job at Starbucks so the family can have health insurance, so I hope that’s taught him that sometimes you just have to suck it up and do what’s necessary while still never giving up on your dreams and passions in life.

I probably need to provide a better example of keeping a clean house, staying in shape and being better about keeping in touch with those we love and a few things like that, but since those are an ongoing struggle for me....it might be several more years before I can boast those among my OWN accomplishments. But those are definitely things I need to work on so I can be a better role model for kidlet.

But for right now, I’m going to go wake him up so we can start the day and I can enjoy all the blessings I have in my life, including one very terrific kid. :)

I hope everyone else has a terrific day—even if their children are the four legged furry variety :) Those need loving parents, too! (I say as mine are crying for treats.)

Tina
www.tinagerow.com

Seeking Charlotte by N.J. Walters

2010-05-05T07:10:00.000-04:00

Seeking Charlotte is now available from Ellora's Cave. This paranormal/erotic romance can be read as a stand-alone book, but is also part of the Hearts of Fire series.

If you love a hot bounty hunter, powerful crystals, demons and destiny, then this is the book for you!

Books 1 & 2, Memory's Eye and Shards of Ecstasy, are also available from Ellora's Cave.

BLURB:

Creed Lawson knows Charlotte Jones is trouble from the moment she presses her lithe body to his and kisses him. But that doesn’t stop him from taking what she’s offering—a night of hot, uninhibited sex. But Creed hasn’t bargained for the feelings she stirs in him, nor the talk of crystals, demons and destiny.

Charlotte is an empath. The ability to feel people’s emotions has made it difficult for her to lead a normal life. At eighteen she received one of the eight pieces of the Heart of Fire, a crystal that contains untold power. She was told there was a male who held the other half of her stone, as well as a demon that coveted all the pieces of the crystal.

The demon has finally found her. But she knows that Creed is the special man she’s been waiting for. Charlotte is facing the fight of her life. Will Creed fight beside her or walk away?

Read an excerpt

New Date for Audio Book!

2010-04-28T18:07:00.000-04:00

My Ellora's Cave Quickie, Tempting Tori , will soon be available in Audio Book! Look for it on May 10th from Ellora's Cave.

BLURB:

Standing in the barn, looking out over his ranch, J.T. Courage knows there is nowhere else on earth he’d rather be. He has his brothers, a successful horse business and a new home on the land that’s belonged to his family for generations. The only thing missing is someone to share it all with. And he has just the woman in mind.

Victoria Abrams is leaving the man she loves. She can no longer pretend he will one day see her as more than a friend or housekeeper. But J.T. is not about to let the sexy woman who has tempted him for months with her lush body and beautiful face slip away without a fight.

Download a Free Sample

Thoughts on aging and life

2010-04-17T20:15:00.000-04:00

I'm visiting my Mom this weekend. It's her birthday (91) and I wanted to share it with her.

Thoughts on this auspicious date:

People have gone out of their way to acknowledge her big day. This is a benefit of having an intimate circle of friends and acquaintances who are willing to go out of their way to do that. I am lucky to have seen this.

The people here at the facility where she lives now (assisted living) are all making the best of their lot. No one is grumpy, annoyed, or angry. None of them want to be here but all have a universal "well, I'm stuck with this so let's make the best of it" attitude. I want to be like them when I grow up.

A nice place is live is crucial. Buddy the social worker dog wanders the hall, there's a nifty patio nearby where we have our before-dinner drinks, and there's a nice, quiet meadow outside.

More thoughts will come as I continue to watch Mom experience aging. These just struck me on this, her auspicious day.

Oh, yeah: writing-related stuff. New book coming out soon. I'll talk about it next month! I'm busy right now, getting ready to play double-solitaire with The Girls here at the home. I'm sure I'll have my butt beat quite soundly. They take no prisoners.

8)

Embroidered Fantasies--A New Book from N.J. Walters

2010-03-31T13:18:00.003-04:00

Embroidered Fantasies is now available from Ellora's Cave! I'm very excited about this book, if you couldn't already tell, and I'm looking forward to seeing what readers thing of it. This is the fifth book in the time-travel/ménage a trois Tapestries series. While it is a part of the series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.

This is a story of redemption, of changing your life and making it something different, something better in spite of the odds. Both the heros and heroine have emotional scars from their pasts, but they're trying to move past those and make a better life.

BLURB:

Roxanne Sykes is a divorced waitress, trying to carve a life for herself after escaping an abusive marriage. Her quiet life is shattered when her ex-husband finds her. Before he can harm her, a magical tapestry whisks her away. She finds herself in a strange land, in the presence of a man straight from her erotic dreams.

Radnor Craddock’s life has been one of violence and brutality. He never expected the tapestry of Javara lore would bring a woman to him and his brother, Sednar. They only have three days to try to convince Roxanne to stay, and both use their considerable seductive skills to do so.

The erotic encounters are like nothing Roxanne has ever experienced. Yet she cannot trust her judgment. After all, she married a man who abused her. Then there are the dark hints and innuendoes of the Craddocks’ violent pasts. But when her ex-husband threatens her, Radnor and Sednar risk their lives to save her. Will she leave them? Or stay and claim these wounded warriors as her own?

Read an Excerpt

Purchase book

Read An Ebook Week!

2010-03-07T07:13:00.001-05:00

Electronic Books Are Here To Stay!
By
N. J. Walters

March 7 – 13th is Read An Ebook Week! Like it or not ebooks are here to stay. It’s unlikely they will ever totally replace the printed page, but they do allow readers easy access to books, wherever they are in the world, at any time of the day or night.

No more do readers have to lament that their local store doesn’t carry their favorite authors. No more special ordering. No more being snowed in and having nothing to read. A few clicks of the mouse and books can be downloaded to your computer or your ebook reader. It’s fast and it’s easy. And it takes away the need to live near an actual bookstore. No matter where you live in the world, as long as you have computer access, you can order books.

I am an avid reader and have been for years. There is nothing I like more than to curl up on the corner of my sofa and read a good book. But even for someone like me, there is a place in my life for ebooks. And the big companies have finally gotten on board so there is no looking back.

The Kindle, Sony Reader, Nook and eBookwise Readers are readily available to many readers. And the price is getting more affordable. For those of you who can’t afford ebook readers, you can download free software from MS Reader and Adobe so you can read straight from your computer.

No longer will you have to lament the lack of space on your bookshelves. You can store thousands of books easily on a flash drive or memory card. Your bookshelves can be kept for your favorite authors that you must have in paperback or hardcover. I know there are many authors that I will continue to buy their paperback books for as long as they keep writing. However, I would be more likely to try a new author in an ebook because it costs less than a paperback.

And that’s good news in this economy. I know most, if not all, of us are tightening our purse strings. That doesn’t mean not buying books. Just the thought gives me the shakes. No, it means being more selective on how I do spend my book money. I want the most bang for my buck. And that means buying more ebooks.

A word of advice for those of you new to ebooks—remember to check the individual publishers, as well as the larger shops like Sony and Amazon. Many times the ebook will be cheaper on the publishers website because you’re cutting out the middleman. But you can buy your books wherever and whenever you choose. That’s the beauty of it. And some websites occasionally offer ebooks for free to tempt you to try one or two.

The world of ebooks has changed dramatically since my first ebook was published by Ellora’s Cave back in October 2004. They are much more readily available now and many of the large New York publishing houses that first disparaged ebooks have now seen the limitless possibilities and are offering the books of many of the best and most popular authors in ebook format. Newspapers and magazines are also being offered at a reduced rate in electronic formats. And why not? It’s simply another form that allows readers to access and enjoy books.

What can be wrong with that?

So, celebrate Read An Ebook week. And if you’ve never purchased an ebook before, maybe this is the week to give it a try. And if hot, spicy romance is your read of choice, maybe you’ll even consider trying one of mine.

http://www.njwalters.com
http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)

I didn't know I knew that ....

2010-02-20T08:08:00.000-05:00

I'm co-teaching a Community Education class on writing for publication, and our final session is this coming Tuesday.

It's been a very good experience for me. I had to prepare a lot of notes for the class, come up with an outline and syllabus, gather research material, review materials ... in short, it was a chance for me to revisit my whole publishing journey and see what worked and what didn't, what continues to work, etc.

It's helped me put my entire writing career in perspective & see my accomplishments & those spots where I could probably put forth a bit more effort.

We're offering the class 3 times a year, so I expect this kind of introspection will continue -- at least I hope it does! I'm finding it very energizing for my writing and for my career planning.

New Release - Men of S.W.A.T.: Kissing Cowboy ~ J.C. Wilder

2010-02-14T19:01:00.000-05:00

Men of S.W.A.T.: Kissing Cowboy

Read an Excerpt - Buy the eBook

Their first kiss melted her resistance, their second one melted his heart.

She’s a woman with a plan…

From childhood, Payton ‘Pip’ Whittier has loved Jeff ‘Cowboy’ Diver. Even after he publicly humiliated her and forced her to leave town, he’s the one man she can’t erase from her heart.

Nine years have passed and Pip has returned to the scene of the crime, her hometown of Haven, Ohio. This time, she’s determined to rid her system of Cowboy, once and for all. He’s a man determined to thwart her every move…

When Cowboy sees Pip at the local bar, he’s floored by the changes in his one-time best friend. The shy, sweet girl has been replaced with a sexy-as-hell woman in red stilettos. Years ago they’d shared a tender moment, one that changed irrevocably their lives.

This is his one chance to convince her to give him one more—even if it means his heart could be crushed under her lethal high heels.

Product Warnings - This book contains the lethal misuse of a pool cue, shenanigans of a sexual nature in the back of a pickup truck, a good girl gone bad and a hero who packs some serious heat—hoo-AH!

A new release for me!

2010-02-10T11:40:00.002-05:00

Another Dream, Another Reality released from Loose yesterday! I'm so excited.

Cassie never intended to let them get to her. Her relationship with Aden and Leo was supposed to be strictly “fun.” But even as she hides from them making demands on her heart and her life, they start to mean too much. Then she's threatened with the loss of her job if she keeps the relationship going. They talk her into a trip to the mountains to try to work things out, but once she's there she has a change of heart and wants to leave them. For good.

Only the car won’t start. So now, she’s trapped at a gorgeous cabin in the mountains with two delicious men who want to win her heart.

Aden and Leo have their own issues with the relationship they’ve moved into, and they know that Cassie has been trying to avoid getting deeper with them. They use their time stuck at the cabin to work through it all.

What starts serious turns into fun, but as life sets in, will they find their relationship a dream or a reality?

To read an excerpt.

The previous book about Cassie, Aden, and Leo, Another Night, Another Dream was selected as a Recommended Read for February by Joyfully Reviewed! Shayna had this to say: Another Night, Another Dream starts out hot and just gets hotter as it goes on. Mechele Armstrong has masterfully blended steamy hot sex with longing and love in this fantastic tale. Cassie, Aden, and Leo are all characters who are sure to grab your heart... I love that all three of them worked to see the heart of each other. When these three weren’t burning up the page with their passion, they were melting my heart and it was absolutely impossible for me not to become invested in their romance. Another Night, Another Dream is a decadent treat I absolutely loved reading. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Armstrong and it definitely won’t be the last. Joyfully Recommended

Mechele Armstrong
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com

N.J. Walters Guest Interview at Examiner.com

2010-02-10T05:44:00.000-05:00

Check out my interview with Fran Lee at Examiner.com. I'm chatting about books, life and upcoming projects for 2010!

New year, new book

2010-01-16T08:10:00.003-05:00

Yep, I like to kick the New Year off right. My 14th (yes, you read that right, "14") book is out.

"Hot Rods" is the story of what happens when you take a chance. The heroine, Threemie (so nicknamed because her name is Mary Margaret Madison, a.k.a. "3M"), met a guy one night outside a bar and she took a chance on him. She gave him her email address & he got in touch with her.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

I wrote this book when I was unemployed. I had been laid off from my job and I decided to use the time to get some writing done. I wrote five books in the six months I was laid off and I've had three of them published (Forgiveness and Brilliant Disguise and If Not For You) and I took the characters from one of the other ones and used them in another story. The fifth book is waiting to be submitted.

Not a bad way to spend my 'down time', hmm?

In a way, Hot Rods mirrors what I've done with my writing career. I took a chance on publishing with small presses & it's paid off for me. I've had some bumps and bruises along the way, just like Threemie has in Hot Rod, but overall it has turned out well. Hey, maybe life does imitate art after all?

Yay! A new release to send off 2009

2009-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so so so excited. Whoo hooo! Settler's Mine 5: The Man is available.

Blurb: Colton returns to Settler’s Mine searching for his mate who he’d abandoned years before. He’d been on his way earlier, but once he and Larkin mated, they couldn’t keep their hands to themselves and it delayed his trip.

Michipi has made a new life for herself at Settler’s Mine and doesn’t want to trust Colton again, no matter how sincere he seems. Especially with his new mate receiving all the perks of the heartstone glow that she never got.

While Michipi enjoys being the subject of being two men’s desires and what they have to offer, however good they both are she can’t get past Colton’s past betrayal and denies the future of their mating. When an old enemy resurfaces to make an attempt on Colton's life, Michipi is forced to realize that she needs both men in her life. But has the knowledge come too late, and at too high a cost?

To read an excerpt!

May the muse have The Man
Mechele

Kittens and plotting

2009-12-19T08:16:00.005-05:00

All things are possible toys to a kitten. The crinkly paper flowers come wrapped in. The flowers. The leaves. The vase.

Yes, we've had a couple of accidents already this morning. I'm going to lunch with friends, so bought a hostess gift (flowers) along with my potluck offering (fruit). Within 10 minutes of turning my back, the grapes had become soccer balls and the flowers were spilled on the floor. No vase breakage, thank goodness. The Paw of Destruction (a.k.a. Pandora the kitten) just looked at me like I was insane to yell at her. "Toys! Shiny, noisy toys! And small round objects just MADE for play!"

I believe that animals do know right from wrong in the sense that they know what displeases us humans. But kittens don't care yet what pleases or displeases us. Unlike puppies, who are social, kittens really don't care what their humans think. The only time it matters is when what the humans wants coincide with what the kitten wants. Then it's important.

I'm reminded of this while I write, too (yes, you knew this would come around to writing, didn't you?) I've been making good progress on my current W.I.P. but lately I got a bit bogged down (my current W.I.P is the prequel to the book shown here). I was trying to move the characters around on the stage, making sure they got to Point A by a certain time in the plot. It just didn't feel right. They felt wooden, recalcitrant, like they were resisting. Sort of like a kitten when ...

Yep. I was trying to impose my idea of what was correct behavior on the characters I created. And what I thought was right (for the plot) was totally out of character for the character.

Scrap that chapter (oh, I'll save it for later cannibalism) and back to the drawing board. Like kittens, I have to let my characters grow and develop. Maybe at some point our ideas will intersect.

Until then...oops. I hear a noise. I think I may need to clean up some more flower spillage.

New Release TODAY!

2009-12-16T08:24:00.003-05:00

Sweet Charity, book 3 in the Project Alpha trilogy, is now available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

BLURB:

Third in the Project Alpha series

Earth 2133

Adrian is an Alpha—a genetically enhanced assassin—thought dead by the people who created him. Living outside the Gate, a high tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside, he is the leader of the Resistance, living only to bring down the Gate and the people who sought to kill him.

Charity Caruthers is the daughter of one of the most powerful and brutal men in the inner city—the General. She risks everything sneaking outside the Gate to get a message to Adrian.

Passion explodes, ripping apart the foundations of both their lives. Charity begins to understand true sexual desire as Adrian teaches her the passion to be found in dark fantasies. Loyalties are tested and trust pushed to the limits as the final confrontation is at hand. Some will die. Some will live. And Adrian and Charity’s fragile relationship could be the final casualty in this war of retribution and freedom.

Project Alpha: Futuristic assassins on a deadly course with love. Books 1 and 2—Embracing Silence and Have Mercy—are now available.

Are authors allowed to write from their imaginations any more?

2009-12-13T13:49:00.002-05:00

I’ve had a few fan emails recently that made this a very interesting question.

The first one was a few months ago from a woman who said she enjoyed both my erotic and non erotic books and thought my F/F scenes were very authentic, but wanted to ensure I was a lesbian for her to continue reading my books. I thanked her for her kind comments, but told her I was happily married to a man. She told me (sadly, she assured me) that she couldn’t continue reading my books since I was heterosexual. Then just a few days ago I had an email from someone on Facebook asking me to confirm if I was a Christian, because she couldn’t in good conscience continue to read my paranormal erotic romances (which she said she truly enjoyed) if I wasn’t a Christian. I answered her nicely saying that I really appreciated her kind comments about my work, but that I hoped my fans enjoyed my work for my characters, worlds and stories and that I didn’t feel my spiritual beliefs entered into the equation. She answered back saying that if I were truly a Christian that I would’ve proudly stated it and promptly unfriended me. I won’t even get into the sad irony of that particular argument :) which would be an entirely different blog...

Neither of these are the norm within my fan mail, gladly, but I thought they were both rather interesting. Both readers clearly stated that they enjoyed my books, which to me speaks for itself. After all, when I read a book, I read it for enjoyment.

Have we really reached a point where personal affiliations and life color the actual writing to that extent? I’ve read some Stephen King, but I truly hope that within his personal life he doesn’t go around murdering people in macabre circumstances, and I can’t imagine sending him a “fan” mail saying as much. I think I could understand if I was being outspoken about something that they found personally offensive – fair enough for them to choose with their consumer dollars where not to spend their money. After all, that’s the beauty of consumerism. But both of these situations left me a bit puzzled and bemused since that’s not the case. Now let me state, I’m not ashamed in any way of my personal choices or state of being. I just feel that if people enjoy my writing, those things don’t matter or come into play. I’m a good person and am tolerant of others and their views, and I suppose, naively I expect the same in return from others.

Am I being shortsighted? Is this the new face of being within the industry?

I’d love to hear your thoughts...

Tina/Cassie

www.tinagerow.com

www.cassieryan.com

Holiday Entertaining!

2009-12-08T05:39:00.002-05:00

Holiday Entertaining!
By
N. J. Walters

This is the time of year when we entertain the most. And, if we’re not careful, it can also be the most stressful time of year. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Host a Christmas cookie swap with friends, family, or the girls at the office. A lot of women are doing this nowadays. You make a bunch of your favorite kind of cookie, save some for yourself and take the rest to the cookies swap. Be sure to decide beforehand how many cookies every person should bring. It will vary depending on how many people take part. If there are six of you, you would probably want to bring at least three dozen each so everyone gets a half-dozen of each kind. You might want to bring a few extra to “sample” as you all divide the cookies. This way you get a few hours out with friends and a bunch of different cookies to take home for the holidays, which you don’t have to bake yourself. It’s a win/win situation.

How about that formal Christmas party you always throw? You know the one I’m talking about. You stress, you shop, you worry about your table displays. That’s fine if you truly enjoy doing it, but if you find it more work than pleasure, how about throwing a different kind of party this year.

You could have a skating or sledding party. You don’t need kids to act like one yourself. Or, if you choose, you can have people bring their kids. Make huge pots of soup and chili for when you’re all ready to come inside. They’re quick to reheat and let you enjoy time with your friends and family instead of spending all of it in the kitchen. Put out loaves of thick, crusty bread or rolls a few plates of those cookies you got at the cookie swap and you’re all set.

Another great idea is a potluck dinner. Invite friends and family to share their favorites with you and others. It’s a great way to try out new foods. You could have a theme if you wanted or you could simply have folks go with tried and true. Maybe you could even print off recipe cards on your computer and put them by each dish so if someone likes a particular one they can recreate it at home.

If you’d like a more formal party for adults only, have a buffet. Help yourself out by going to the grocery store and buying pre-made finger foods. These days, you can find everything there from the most basic to the more exotic. Put out some fruit and cheese platters and let people mingle and enjoy.

Have a quiet dinner for a few close friends or family. Pick a meal you’re comfortable making. This is NOT the time to try out new recipes. It’s not hard to make the table festive. A few candles, some red napkins and a pinecone or two and your set. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to be nice.

Above all else, have fun. The people you invite over want to spend time with you. And if they’re more concerned with what your house looks like or what you made or didn’t make, then they shouldn’t be on the guest list.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all. Hope you all have fun entertaining!

Looking for a holiday read? Try Jessamyn’s Christmas Gift, a White Hot Holiday Quickie available now from Ellora’s Cave.

Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com
http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)

December Newsletter and New Contest!

2009-12-02T05:57:00.001-05:00

Good morning and welcome to December!

It's that time of the month again. The December issue of Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—is now availalbe. If you're not receiving it, then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more!

Be sure to check out the this month’s author interview with Katherine Kingston.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.

SWEET CHARITY SNEAK PEEK CONTEST!

To celebrate the release of Sweet Charity --the final book in the Project Alpha trilogy--from Ellora's Cave on December 16th, I'm giving away a download copy. Go to my website and click on the "contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Ah, the drama, the excitement, the kerfluffle!

2009-11-21T06:56:00.003-05:00

Kerfuffle has become one of my favorite words lately because it just sums up the nonsense swirling around RWA, Harlequin, Harlequin Ho (their "Horizon" brand) and publishing in general.

Brief summary: Harlequin decided to create a vanity 'arm' (HarHo), RWA & other professional writing organizations slapped 'em for it, Har is now whining and authors are in angst.

I think this fuss has perhaps finally driven home some of the realities of the marketplace -- publishing is a losing business. Publishing can't continue under the old consignment model. It's a lose-lose for all involved. Har came up with a new model for one of its branches, one that will probably make money hand over fist. Gee, I wonder if they'll do whatever they have to do to keep it and satisfy the professional groups?

I agree with RWA that authors should be making money. I disagree about the 'an advance means you're a professional' but I am glad they took a stand on this. It proved they are willing to follow their own rules, something that frankly, I wasn't sure they'd do.

What does this mean for authors? Not sure yet. How abour readers? They probably won't notice -- HarHo books will not be shelved, so unless they're sought out, they can't be found.

I think the most profound impact will be on the hidebound organizations such as MWA, SFWA, and RWA. This has to make them rethink some of their core values because I firmly believe other publishing houses are going to take this route at some point.

Interesting times ahead....

Want to Win a Print Book?

2009-11-18T05:55:00.002-05:00

By The Book is now available in print. To celebrate, I’m giving away two PRINT copies. To find out how to enter for a chance to win, go to my website and click on the “contest” page for details.

BLURB:

Amanda Barrington has moved to Jamesville to start a new life, but someone in this quiet town is trying to kill her.

Former soldier, Jonah Sutter, has returned home to help his sister pick up the pieces of her life. Sparks fly when he and Amanda meet.

He takes on the job of fixing the wiring in her house and ends up protecting her from her stalker. When Amanda is attacked again, all bets are off. And Jonah is no longer playing By The Book.

Drawing takes place on November 30th!

A newlywed phase

2009-11-09T11:34:00.001-05:00

I'm in the creating process of a new Settler's Mine story. The hero is someone I've met before. But didn't delve too into his character when last we met. Now, I get to disover everything about him.

The heroine is new to me. I'm still trying to discover what makes her tick.

It's definitely the honeymoon phase. I'm talking gently to them. LOL.

Mechele Armstrong
www.mechelearmstrong.com

Have Mercy Needs Your Vote!

2009-11-04T06:10:00.000-05:00

Have Mercy is up for Book of the Month at Dark Diva Reviews. Readers have one week to vote for their favorite book. Please stop by Dark Diva Reviews and vote! You can vote until November 7th.

Catch the Surge

2009-10-28T07:08:00.000-04:00

Bloodlines 6: Surge released late yesterday. Yay! I'm so excited to get to share Roc and Cheyenne with everyone. Roc is super sexy.

This story does standalone. I consider those who have read the previous books to get "extras" because characters from the previous books do appear in Surge.

Blurb: Sexy dreams haunt the vampire Cheyenne as she struggles with her schizophrenia. Her call awakens the man from her dreaming. Only he’s not a man. He's Marroc. The first vampire ever made who took to ground a thousand years ago where he's simmered, feeding on souls and dreaming of Cheyenne, dreaming of taking her for his own.

When she releases him with her call, Roc goes to find Cheyenne, sure she is “the one” to help him defeat his enemy. She recognizes him from her dreams, and after a wild bout of sex, he discovers that her orgasms give him a surge of power. Orgasms with Roc also have a benefit for Cheyenne: they make her sane.

When one of her friends is taken by Roc's enemy, both Roc and Cheyenne will stop at nothing to get her back. The surge of sex gives them both what they've longed for. But can they have enough sex to survive the fight, and keep them together in the end?

To read an excerpt.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen

Where Sensuality and Wonder collide

http://www.mechelearmstrong.com/

http://www.collector-series.com/

The future's never been so sexy

http://www.melanylogen.com

Beyond busy ...

2009-10-17T06:42:00.003-04:00

Every time I'm scheduled to post here, I'm either out of town or going out of town. Yep, I'm leaving town in a few minutes to go to see my Mom, who's in the hospital. It's pneumonia and she's 90, so this is a non-trivial illness.

I've been getting my affairs in order (so to speak) so I can stay with her as long as needed. Got ample clothing packed, bags of Stuff to work on, 2 computers, chargers ... it looks like a trek across the country not a 4-hour jaunt to a civilized place (yes, Iowa is civilized, no matter what those Left Coasters think!)

Along with all of this are deadlines at the Paycheck Job. I have an exceptional boss, and she's told me just 'go, do whatever you need to do, check in when you.' Thank you, Lord, for good bosses. That being said, I still put in a few extra hours to wrap up some things so others on my project won't be behind the 8-ball because I'm gone.

I've had 5 books release this year, and I'm trying to be a good soldier and do promo for those. Tricky when you're juggling so much else, but I dip in now and then and promo. Not enough, but it'll have to do.

And I had edits for a book which were, thankfully, amazingly light. Done in an hour and out the door. I have a request from an agent for more info about me, my marketing strategy, my books, my sell-through -- all good and all stuff I can put together while sitting in the hospital room with the drone of machines beeping nearby.

As I did all these chores this week, I thought about the old Need vs. Want vs. Should triangle we often find ourselves trapped in. As I did things, I thought, "I should do this, then that'll be finished and I can get on the road" or "I need to get that done so..." or "I want to check that, if I do...."

I finally realized that when Need, Want, and Should all come together it's the right thing to do.

I need to be with Mom. I want to be with her. And I should be with her.

So I'm on the road again...

New Books!

2009-10-14T06:50:00.002-04:00

Alexandra’s Legacy is now available in e-book from Samhain Publishing.

The truth will set her free…or get her killed.

Alexandra Riley’s day starts out like any other in her normal, predictable world. Then a tall, dark stranger bursts into her father’s garage and shatters the illusion. In one shocking moment, she discovers why she’s been feeling hot, restless—she’s the half-breed daughter of a legendary werewolf and is a much-sought-after prize.

Joshua Striker, enforcer in charge of protecting the alphas of the Wolf Creek pack, has come to take Alex home. Nothing more, nothing less. From the first moment he sees her, she becomes the one thing he can’t afford—a distraction from his duty. A weakness he doesn’t want—but can’t resist needing.

If only keeping her safe was as simple as fending off males on the hunt for a mate. Through city streets to the mountains of North Carolina, Alex and Joshua have to evade those who don’t want their pure bloodlines tainted with human DNA, as well as bounty hunters who think the only good werewolf is a dead one.

What Joshua and Alex can’t outrun is the passion that flares between them—or the choice Alex must eventually face. Whether to claim her inner wolf, or forfeit her chance to claim Joshua as her own.

AND

Out today in PRINT:

Trick or Treat is now available from Amazon.com and Simon and Schuster.

This Halloween anthology contains four stories: Unmasking Kelly by me, NJ Walters, Sinderella by Jan Springer, Stolen Goddess by Tawny Taylor and Wolf in Cheap Clothing by Charlene Teglia. Be sure to check it out.

Have Mercy is Available today!

2009-10-07T11:29:00.001-04:00

HAVE MERCY is available today from Ellora's Cave Publishing. This is book 2 in the futuristic/erotic Project Alpha trilogy.

BLURB:

Second in the Project Alpha series.

Earth 2133

Logan is an Alpha—a genetically enhanced assassin—who has escaped from the lab that created him. He is now outside the Gate, a high-tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. Shot while evading security forces sent to eliminate him, Logan’s only goal is survival.

Mercy Dockins is a healer. Her world is shaken to its foundations when a stranger is brought to her near death. As she heals him, her body and soul respond to him, overwhelming her with sexual desire. With little more than a look and a touch, passion flares out of control, consuming them both.

But this stranger is dangerous to not only her well-being, but also to the safety of everyone she loves. And he has brought the security forces right to her door.

Kindle Download, Apps and Guest Blog...oh, my!

2009-09-30T06:11:00.002-04:00

It's been a very busy week for me and it's only Wednesday! Lots of exciting things going on.

From September 28th until October 12 my Samhain book, Discovering Dani , is available as a free kindle giveaway on Amazon.com. This is the first book in the Jamesville series. If you haven't had a chance to read it, you can do so now...for FREE!

Blurb:

Book 1 of Jamesville.

Dani O'Rourke has had the responsibility of raising her two brothers, Patrick and Shamus, since the death of their parents. As sole owner and operator of O'Rourke Cleaning Services, she is no stranger too hard work, but she is a beginner when it comes to men.

Burke is a very rich and successful businessman whose brush with death has made him question his priorities. He-s traveled to Jamesville for peace and quiet while he plans the rest of his life.

Their lives collide when Burke accuses her of breaking into his cabin to steal from him. Their attraction to each other is immediate, and after a series of misunderstandings he finds himself caught up in the lives of Dani and her brothers.

But can this gentle, giving woman get a man as hard and cynical as Burke to believe in the power of love? Or will Burke leave town without ever discovering the wonders of life with Dani?

If that wasn't exciting enough...Discovering Dani is an app!

You can read it on your cell phone. How cool is that!

I'm also guest blogging over at the Samhain Blog today. If you get a chance, drop by and check it out!

If you'd like a chance to win a free e-book, check out my latest contest, October Extravaganza, on my Website!

Books to Movies: Does it matter?

2009-09-25T15:31:00.005-04:00

Hi all,

I've been talking to some friends of mine about what I would like to see if my book, Carinian's Seeker Vampire Council of Ethics Book 1, was made into a movie. The topic of race came up.

The Vampire Council of Ethics series is a multicultural series. And when I say multicultural, I mean REALLY. In fact, the whole series is a nice mix of folks from various backgrounds, races and just about everything. The main couple is of different races. The secondary cast is multi-racial, and even the bad guys get into the mix a bit. In the end, there's Black, White, East Indian, Japanese, Native American, African, etc.

So here is the question that sent me to the blogs to get your advice:

If the books were made into a TV series or movie (like True Blood) would it matter to you if the main couple in Carinian's Seeker (white male, black female) was switched around to black male, white female?

The thought from the film maker chicklet was that it is more socially acceptable to see a white female with a black male than the other way around and that swapping the races might attract a larger audience.

But that made me think of the recent Star Trek movie. I mean Spock and Uhura had a seriously hot thing going on. Now how many of us saw that coming? Not me! But did I think it was cool and that the characters made it work? Sure did!

Personally, I like movies that stick as close to the book as possible, but the other argument is that if the acting is done well, will people really care if the races were switched?

What do you think?

TJ

Sadness

2009-09-15T08:10:00.002-04:00

I found out last night that Patrick Swayze passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. I remember when he came out about his diagnosis, thinking it wasn't good. He had one of the evil cancers that's not had a good survival rate.

I was a Swayze fan. After Dirty Dancing and Ghost, he had quite a few fans. "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." An immortal line that will live on.

It's been a very terrible year for celebrities. Farrah Fawcett. Michael Jackson. Billy Mays. Walter Cronkite. Bea Arthur. Many more :>(

I'm glad no one stuck Swayze in a corner and his movies will live on. Not to mention his spirit. It would have been very easy for him to give up. Instead, he took a role on a TV show and went to work each day. He lobbied for cancer research. He turned the last bit of his life into something positive. All of us can only hope to do the same.

Godspeed, Patrick Swayze. You will be missed.

Mechele Armstrong
www.mechelearmstrong.com

October Extravaganza Contest!

2009-09-09T12:06:00.000-04:00

I know it's only September, but I'm already getting ready for October. I have TWO new releases due out in October. Have Mercy, book 2 in the Project Alpha series, is due out from Ellora’s Cave Publishing on October 7th. Alexandra's Legacy, the first book in my new werewolf series, is due out from Samhain Publishing on October 13th.

To celebrate, I'm giving away a download copy of both books. Go to my website and click on the "contests" page for details on how to enter.

a learning plateau

2009-08-15T08:25:00.002-04:00

I'm at a conference this weekend and it's proving to be a good learning experience, not because of what I'm learning from the presenters but because of what I'm learning about me and conferences.

I need to re-think why I'm coming to them and what I want from them. I'm a published author and my needs are different than a lot of the people here. I haven't really thought seriously about that in a few months, but it came home to me last night when I looked at the schedule and realized I wasn't sure which sessions might be of use... if any? I'm not sure.

It is fun to be in a different place & be among people who care about writing, but many folks herehaven't written a ms yet so there's a real variety of questions in the workshops. And somehow I got scheduled into a pitch session which I didn't plan on -- with an agent. I have nothing prepared so I'll just chat with her and see how it goes. Not a big deal...

All in all, an unusual weekend. I have to admit, it's making me rethink what cons I'll attend in the future. I need to take a serious look at my career plans and decide where they fit. All part of my learning process for publishing.

5 Book Review for Past Promises

2009-08-12T11:35:00.004-04:00

My latest Samhain Publishing release, Past Promises, just received a 5 Book Review from Long and Short Reviews.

Here's a snippet of what reviewer, Holly, had to say:

"N. J. Walters writes her Jamesville stories with heart and passion. Reading this book, you feel the pain Linda feels when her family will not accept her as she is. You feel the desire and passion she feels when she finds that Levi wants her, and the indecision of whether to get involved with a man who may move on at any time... This is the first of the Jamesville books I have read, but I am going to get the rest soon, because I want to visit this place and meet the people there."

Thank you Holly and Long and Short Reviews!

I dream of a Another Night, Another Dream

2009-08-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's a reality. It's released! Yippeeee.

The Blurb:

Cassie thought she'd convinced her friends not to throw her some lame birthday party, but when her 25th rolls around, boy was she wrong. Not only is there a birthday party, but there's a stripper, and a bitchy little tramp who insults Cassie's plus-sized curves at her own party. Pissed off beyond belief, Cassie storms out, only to get trapped in a stairwell.

The stripper, Aden, and the bodyguard, Leo, follow her out to check on her, but just their luck, they get trapped in with her. Aden can't believe his luck at being stuck with the gorgeous birthday girl and the Hotty McHotass he's been looking at all night. Hotty McHotass takes the whole thing pretty stoically, just like he does everything else—but you can't judge a book by its cover.

To distract Cassie from a claustrophic panic attack, the boys start up a game of Truth or Dare. Cassie reveals her secret fantasy to have a threesome, and one by one, hearts, souls, and bodies are laid bare. It's a fantasy come true, and so much more, but when the game's over, will it turn out to be just another night, another dream?

To read an excerpt.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen

Where Sensuality and Wonder collide

http://www.mechelearmstrong.com

http://www.collector-series.com

The future's never been so sexy

http://www.melanylogen.com

Dream Dream Dream Dreaammm

2009-08-10T14:35:00.002-04:00

This summer, the family and I went to Hershey, PA. It was sort of a dream of mine to go back. I went when I was a kid with my family.

Hopefully, next summer I maybe going to Savannah with the kids (and the youngest's Brownie Troop). It's another dream to go back there. Love Savannah, with all the Spanish Moss and Tybee Island.

Now, if I can just get back to Niagara Falls, a few of my dream destinations will be achieved. I'd still love to go to the Bahamas and Scotland.

Where do you dream of going?

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
Where Sensuality and Wonder collide
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.collector-series.com
The future's never been so sexy
http://www.melanylogen.com

Celebrating Milestones

2009-08-09T12:21:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I emailed off my finished manuscript of Sleeping With Shadows to my agent.

I’ve spent the past four months of my life slaving over that book--living it, dreaming it, constantly thinking about it, scribbling ideas on receipts, napkins or even my hand when I wasn’t home near my computer. And at ten am yesterday I finished my final read through, had tears in my eyes when I read the Happily Ever After ending (yeah, I’m squishy about the HEA’s, what can I say??) and gave a big happy sigh as I closed the file, and emailed it off to Paige, so she can shop it around.

Then as I closed my laptop I realized I had no writing goal for the day, my brain hadn’t yet become too ensnared in the upcoming next book, and I wanted to celebrate and enjoy my accomplishment! There is nothing like that feeling of exhilaration that goes through you when you reach a milestone—no matter what type. A few weeks ago when I sold the two book deal to Berkley I was also doing the big happy dance. Granted, that one was a little more intense happy dance, but the aftermath of feelings are pretty much the same.

Although I’ll admit, I choose carefully who I ask to help me celebrate my milestones, because there are those who tend to suck the joy out of it for me or downplay it until the celebration seems selfish of me to have, or just an everyday thing not worthy of celebration. Obviously it’s much more fun to spend it with the people who are truly happy for and with me and want to celebrate as much as I do! I think it’s important to have that celebration and take time out to appreciate the accomplishment and all the blood, sweat, tears and effort spent—no matter how big or small the milestone. Wouldn’t it be a terrific world if we celebrated even the small ones? Hmmm...I think I may have to start having mini celebrations for finishing chapters now! Mwaahaaahaaa!

Anyway, I was able to do a mini celebration yesterday and today I’m doing the “not a damn thing” method of relaxing :) Because tomorrow I get to start on Jane Doe Succubus, which is the first book of the two book deal I sold to Berkley. That story has been noodling in the back of my head for a while—ever since I wrote the proposal (which is only a synopsis and one chapter), but it took a back seat while I was ensnared in Sleeping With Shadows. Now it can come out to play and become my new “obsession” for the next few months :) Ahh, the life of a writer.

A milestone that is no less important, but got lost during my deadline frenzy is the release of Trio of Seduction, the third book in my Seduction Series written as Cassie Ryan. Here’s an excerpt if you’d like to take a look – Excerpt. Or if you’d just like to hop on over and buy it, here’s that link too – Buy. :)

So here’s my questions to all of you. How do you celebrate your milestones, writing or otherwise? Is there anyone in your life that tends to suck the joy out of your accomplishments? If so, how do you handle that? Is it important for you to take time off in between projects? And here’s the fun one – what WAS your accomplishment, so we can celebrate with you! :)

Raising cyber Butterscotch Martinis to all, and might even find some real ones sometime today! :)

Tina/Cassie

Our dreams tell us what to do ...

2009-07-18T07:20:00.002-04:00

I decided to run for a national office (RWA, not 'real' politics), and last night I dreamed about being at a board meeting and talking to people there. I didn't really see the faces in my dream, but I remember thinking, "gee, if these are the Real Published People, then I'm okay, because I can understand what they're saying and I feel good being here' or feelings to that effect.

There was a bit of stress in the dream: I was supposed to fill out some forms or something, and I did but wasn't sure I did them right (I think this was crossover from entering an online contest earlier and waiting to see if my entry was received).

Anyway, I woke this morning and decided that maybe my dream was saying "go for it". I can still back out before 'officially' filing my papers. Or maybe it's saying I need to sleep on it some more. I'll let it percolate in the back of my brain for a few days and see if other thoughts come to me in dreamland. I've got a bunch of back-to-back travel planned from now until the end of August, so I won't have much time to contemplate, agonize, or reconsider. I'll decide, move ahead, and not look back.

Hmm. Not a bad plan ....

To every thing there is a season

2009-07-13T14:06:00.002-04:00

And my brain right now wants to be on summer vacation.

LOL I just finished three stories back to back. Fun stories that I enjoyed writing. But I'm feeling a little...needing of a break. A refilling of the well as it were. I plan to write a few fun things. Read. Bascially refill myself.

I know it won't last long. Characters are already talking. I have a sequel to write to one of the three stories. Not to mention other tales are lurking around my head. I have a story I'd really like to patch up and submit.

But for now, I'm going to enjoy this season.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Amethyst Dreams Out Today!

2009-07-08T08:49:00.002-04:00

Today is a very special day. My 30th Ellora's Cave book, Amethyst Dreams, is being released today!

This menage a trois/time-travel is a sequel to Amethyst Moon, but can be read as a stand alone book.

BLURB:

Dr. Augustine Mitchell has made her career researching a lost civilization. She owes her success to her colleague and friend, Olivia Fifield, who mysteriously disappeared four years earlier, leaving her with a set of notes, a vague letter and a silver and amethyst necklace.

Decisions and dreams plague her waking and sleeping hours. At a crossroads in her life, Augustine sets off on an archeological dig. The discovery of a secret room sets off a chain of events that land her in the world of T’ar Tal and in the arms of two sexy men—Rorik and Kirce.

Augustine is shocked when the men from her dreams are suddenly real. There is no denying the sexual chemistry that sparks between her and her two lovers, but there are seemingly insurmountable problems as well. Their destinies are entwined, but only Augustine can decide their fate.

Buy today from Ellora’s Cave

July Newsletter Now Available!

2009-07-01T20:58:00.001-04:00

The July 2009 issue is now available!

Check out the this month’s author interview with Kate Hill.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.

Coming July 3

2009-06-24T20:58:00.003-04:00

Phantom Affair

by Katherine Kingston

Release date: July 3, 2009
ISBN: 9781419923067

Ellora's Cave Publishing

Note: Part of the proceeds from this book is being donated to the family of Lara Anne Punches, whose life ended tragically and too early.

Blurb: Robert is the best lover Kelly has ever had—handsome, thoughtful, engaging and a thrilling sexual dominant. Too bad he’s a ghost who can’t actually touch her. When Robert suggests that a risky sexual adventure that could offer him a second chance at corporeal life, Kelly agrees to it. He’s open about the dangers of the process, but success carries its own peril. Reality cannot possibly live up to fantasy, can it?

Excerpt:Chapter One

One of the few drawbacks to having a ghost for a lover was the lack of a martini waiting for her when she got home after a rough trip into the city. Oh, and the back rubs lacked a certain heft. Still, Robert managed to make her feel amazingly wonderful for someone whose spirit was willing but the flesh nonexistent.

Kelly Scranton could fix the martini herself. And unlike most of the men she’d dated, Robert was always willing to listen to her gripes, and he generally commiserated. In fact he seemed to crave her tales of woe from the trenches of the architectural world, or any other world. Being limited to the house made him hungry for any and all information from outside, which was why she generally left either the television or a radio going even when she wasn’t there.

Her nineteenth-century mansion on the Virginia side of the Chesapeake Bay coast was almost two hour’s drive from D.C., so Kelly generally spent a couple of days in town at a time, meeting with clients and other business contacts before returning home where she could do much of the drawing in peace and conduct the rest of her business via phone.

That particular Thursday she’d been gone for three days, working on a large collaborative project. By the time she got back at eight in the evening, she was beat. She’d had dinner before she left the city but she headed for the kitchen right after dumping her briefcase and stepping out of her pumps. That martini was calling her name.

Robert was too, materializing beside her while she got out the bottles and filled the shaker with ice. It no longer startled her. His form was never fully solid, which made it hard to get a perfect idea what he looked like. She could tell he had a lean, handsome face with strong jaw and cheekbones and sensual lips, but it was especially hard to see his eye and hair color. Both seemed to be light. Otherwise, he’d been a tall man in life, but thin. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, which made sense since he thought he’d been about twenty-five when he died. He didn’t like to talk about it, but he had one time admitted that he’d been hanged in 1706. He wouldn’t discuss the reason. Nothing she’d learned of him in the three years since she’d bought the house—and his company along with it—suggested he was a bad or violent man, so his fate mystified her.

He must have some way to change his clothes, or maybe just his appearance, since his dress didn’t reflect a man who’d lived in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. He usually appeared to be wearing a polo shirt and slacks.

“Rough trip?” he asked, staring at her as she measured out the vermouth. “Took longer than usual and you look beat.”

“Busy. Lots of negotiations, a zillion details to hammer out. And I had to wear heels for three solid days.”

“Poor baby.” An intriguing hint of British accent underlay the slang he’d picked up from the TV. “Go put your feet up and I’ll rub them while you tell me about it.”

That was an offer she never refused.

Kelly finished putting together the double martini and took it to the living room. She settled into the reclining end of the leather sofa with a sigh of relief, letting the quiet, homey atmosphere she’d created sink into her tired bones. A puff of warm air surrounded each of her feet after she raised the footrest. The air began to move around, pressing against her flesh.

She had no idea how he did that. Another of the drawbacks of a ghostly lover was his inability to touch her, but Robert had figured out how to use puffs of compressed air to substitute for it. He admitted it had taken him years of practice to learn and master the technique. Kelly refused to ask how many women had gotten similar attentions from him. He admitted there’d been a couple, though he claimed he first developed the method to use for turning the pages of books.

“Tell me what’s happened the last few days,” Robert said, his half-visible form kneeling beside the chair. It appeared his hands were around her feet, though he couldn’t truly touch her. Still, the air shifted around her toes, stroking them gently but firmly.

“Damn, that feels good.” Kelly settled deeper into the chair. The air pressed and rubbed in a way that air shouldn’t be able to do, but she wasn’t arguing. “This project is turning out to be a bear,” she told him. He kept “rubbing” her feet while she poured out all that had happened in the past couple of days, venting all the aggravations and irritations. Getting it out always made her feel lighter.

Because she had a lot to get off her chest, it took a while to notice something different. “You’re very quiet,” she said to Robert. Normally, he responded enthusiastically to her tales, asking thoughtful questions, demanding details and reassuring her where he felt it was needed. “Is something wrong?”

“No, not wrong. I have something to discuss with you but not right now. A little later.”

She stared at him for a moment but could read little in the shadowy face. He never had worn his emotions openly. “All right.”

“We have other things to do first.”

The stroking moved up from her feet, along her calves and onto her thighs, pushing below her skirt. It didn’t feel exactly like a human touch but it was close enough for each brush of air on sensitive skin to send those prickly tingles running along her nerves and rousing desire for more. She imagined Robert’s fingers doing that march along her skin and got even hotter.

“Take off your blouse and the bra for me,” he said. He turned one part of his limitation into a virtue, by ordering her to do the things he couldn’t. She’d read about it, but until now she’d never understood on a personal level how sexy it would be to take off her clothes at the command of a dominant man. Even if said dominant wasn’t entirely solid.

As soon as she’d shed the shirt and bra and settled back down, another set of air puffs began circling her breasts. Add to the ghost lover’s pro list that he wasn’t apparently limited to two hands’ worth of air. There were still swirly bits running up and down her legs as well.

A fun event NOT sponsored by RWA

2009-06-21T16:38:00.001-04:00

I had a book signing on Saturday in a flower shop.

I grew up in a small town with no bookstore so the flower shop stocks my books. Because I'm with a small press (I don't call them an e-pub) I'm able to work with my publisher to get the books in unusual locations like gift shops, etc.

I sold a few dozen books, had press interviews with local papers and had a great time.

If I followed RWA guidelines I'd be poorer financially and in terms of experience. Thank heavens I started ignoring them years ago!

Inspiring

2009-06-08T20:56:00.002-04:00

I can remember this episode of Roseanne. It made me want to write.

It's a poem I remember to this day. What inspires you?

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
Where Sensuality and Wonder collide
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.collector-series.com
The future's never been so sexy
http://www.melanylogen.com

Coming Friday: Kyle's Bargain

2009-05-20T20:38:00.002-04:00

Kyle's Bargain

Ellora's Cave

Available May 22, 2009

Meg Travis is desperate to save a shopping center.
Kyle Harrison’s future depends on razing and rebuilding it.
Meg tries to talk him out of it.
Kyle’s not impressed.
Meg tries blackmail and offers to sleep with him to get his attention.
Kyle offers a bargain—two hours of his time for a night of hers, in his bed.
She agrees—as long he won’t press charges.
He agrees—as long as she submits to his punishment instead.
She accepts.
He listens.
She takes his punishment and ignites in bed.
Sparks fly. Heat blazes. Irritation turns to respect.
They want more of each other.
Meg has a disabled sister who depends on her.
Kyle has mortgaged his future for the shopping center.
Her ex-fiancee couldn’t handle her commitment to her sister.
His late wife manipulated him.
She has submissive leanings.
Kyle likes dominating women and does threesomes.
Meg is shocked but intrigued.
Love blossoms.
They work on a solution to the shopping center problem.
They struggle for compromises on the other issues.
Their baggage still threatens any long-term relationship.

Got Time For A Quickie?

2009-05-13T11:16:00.001-04:00

Tempting Tori by N. J. Walters is now available!

Tempting Tori

Standing in the barn, looking out over his ranch, J.T. Courage knows there is nowhere else on earth he’d rather be. He has his brothers, a successful horse business and a new home on the land that’s belonged to his family for generations. The only thing missing is someone to share it all with. And he has just the woman in mind.

Victoria Abrams is leaving the man she loves. She can no longer pretend he will one day see her as more than a friend or housekeeper. But J.T. is not about to let the sexy woman who has tempted him for months with her lush body and beautiful face slip away without a fight.

Purchase Tempting Tori from Ellora’s Cave at http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-7046-172-tempting-tori.aspx
Or
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419919381

Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com

Joie de vivre

2009-05-11T13:40:00.002-04:00

I went to an amusement park yesterday with the kidlets and the hubby.

My youngest was tall enough to ride another coaster. She's hoping to be tall enough by the end of summer to ride the last two coasters there. We rode two of the ones she can ride multiple times and one once.

The oldest rode her first coaster and was so proud of herself.

It reminds me how much joy children find in just living. As an adult, I sometimes get so wrapped up in the job, in the routine, etc that I forget how much joy there can be in living. I forget to stomp in puddles. To stop and smell a pretty flower. To pat the cat. To rub the dog's belly. Catch snowflakes on your tongue.

I hate having to be reminded (and not just my kids remind me) but I love it when I am. It helps to take pleasure in the simple things.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
Where Sensuality and Wonder collide
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.collector-series.com
The future's never been so sexy
http://www.melanylogen.com

Endless Chase by N.J. Walters Available Today!

2009-05-06T11:48:00.002-04:00

ENDLESS CHASE is available today from Ellora's Cave Publishing!

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7233-endless-chase.aspx or
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419919954

Endless Chase
NJ Walters

Book 5 of Dalakis Passion

Katya Markova has spent the last year of her life searching for the person responsible for the brutal murder of her parents. Her quest has taken her around the world and into the dark world of blood cults and murderers, finally bringing her to Transylvania and the Dalakis family.

Chase Deveraux is at a crossroads in his life. His sister and most of his extended family are vampires, but he is not. He’s come to Dalakis Castle to spend time with his family and make some important decisions about his uncertain future.

Vengeance is at hand for Katya, and nothing will make her stray from her chosen path—nothing, that is, but Chase. From their first chance meeting, the emotional and sexual connection between them is explosive. But Katya is enmeshed in a world of lies and deceptions, which now includes Chase and his family. Love, vengeance and honor are tested, and sides must be taken as the entire Dalakis family is now in jeopardy.

Past Promises by N. J. Walters

2009-04-29T14:17:00.001-04:00

PAST PROMISES is now available from Samhain Publishing! You can check out this book, or any other of my books, at my author's page at Samhain Publishing.

This is part of the Jamesville series, but can be read as a stand alone book.

BLURB: PAST PROMISES

Sometimes the only way to leave the past behind is to ignore the voice of reason—and leap.

Jamesville, Book 7

For Linda Fletcher, the sign in front of her new business says it all. Past Promises Antiques is her declaration of independence from her powerful and manipulative family—and a vow to herself that her future will be different.

She never considered herself the no-strings-affair type, but the chemistry between her and her newly hired handyman is too intense to ignore. Moving to Jamesville was a bold step, so what’s the harm in taking one more—into his arms?

Levi Mann’s shadowed past keeps his bags packed light and his feet on the move. But one look at Linda, and he finds himself willing to hang around—just long enough to figure out what it is that triggers their explosive passion.

Glitch or not, it's troubling

2009-04-13T11:11:00.003-04:00

Tina/Cassie posted below about the whole Amazon debacle. It's a mess.

It has definitely ignited the online world.

Every September/October, I try to do a lot of postings on Banned Books Week. It's a cause I believe in strongly.

One of the things that has been pointed out on numerous blogs is the incongruity of the appliance of the adult policy (which may or may not be Amazon's policy, they now say, "glitch" in response to why the books have been desearch engined and deranked).

Violent books such as the Dexter series and others weren't affected. Now, I enjoy the Dexter series both in book and on TV. But there's a lot of murder and mayhem happening in these books. Is sex really that much more objectionable than violence? The books that were affected, are they really more offensive than a serial killer torturing his victims?

Not to me.

And therein lies the problem of censorship. Everyone has things they find offensive. Where do we draw the line? My line is here. Your line is over there. Her line is way over there. Whose line do we take?

I sincerely hope that this Amazon thing is a glitch and they get it fixed posthaste. But I also hope that people will continue to talk about censorhip and book banning and realize that it does still happen. And it's no more objectionable when done by Amazon than it is when done at a public library or a school library.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Amazon Censorship? Or purely bad business decision?

2009-04-12T13:53:00.003-04:00

If you follow any writing community blogs including twitter, facebook or anywhere else you run into authors, you've probably heard about the new Amazon kerfuffle.

If you haven't, sit back and let me fill you in.

A few days ago book rankings started disappearing from books here and there on Amazon. A few would return, and then more would disappear. Searches by author name and/or book title wouldn't always return results, and things were generally very wonky. A few people began questioning Amazon and after some very vague answers from some poor customer service reps who had no idea what was happening, finally someone who had an Amazon.com advantage account received a reply:

(The following is reposted from Mark Probst's Live Journal Blog - http://markprobst.livejournal.com/15293.html)

In consideration of our entire customer base, we exclude "adult" material from appearing in some searches and best seller lists. Since these lists are generated using sales ranks, adult materials must also be excluded from that feature.

Hence, if you have further questions, kindly write back to us.

Best regards,

Ashlyn D

Member Services

Amazon.com Advantage

So, basically Amazon has decided to protect all of us from ourselves? We can no longer be trusted to decide what we search on and what we look at? Huh? Not to mention that if I search for a particular author - they may not show up in my search results if Amazon deems them "adult" and therefore inappropriate for me to see even though I'm a consenting adult well over the age of consent?? Again, I say, Huh??

Amazingly, the list of what books are affected certainly aren't consistent across the board, in fact, someone pointed out that Penthouse and Playboy still had a rank when they looked earlier today. And I've read some Jackie Collins books that equal some of the erotic romances that have been stripped of rank, but Jackie still retains hers. Selective rank and search removal? Or just poor implementation of a poorly thought out policy?

Not to mention that from a business perspective, if readers can't search and find the books they are looking for, they will go elsewhere to buy. Not that Amazon has ever done huge sales numbers for individual authors (contrary to popular belief, most authors don't make most of their sales through Amazon), but you would think as a reseller that they would want people to be able to easily find their products and purchase them.

AND, if all of these "offensive" adult books are appearing on the best sellers lists so they can offend all of us (supposedly) then who is buying them to get them to appear there?? Hmmm, maybe the buying customers who will now take their business elsewhere? (Guess Amazon didn't think of that...oops!)

I know several authors, myself included are going to remove all links from our websites that go to Amazon.com until they reverse this really useless policy. If they don't want to help customers find our books, then we'll be glad to "help" them with the effectiveness of their own policy.

If any of you would like to let Amazon.com know how you feel about their new policy, this is their email addy: connect-help@amazon.com
Other ways to get in touch with them: http://clicheideas.com/amazon.htm

Or write to their CEO:
Jeffrey Bezos. The address is 1200 12th Avenue South, Seattle, Washington 98144-2734, United States Phone: 206-266-1000 Fax: 206-622-2405

Well, I'm off to remove some links and then sit down to write a very detailed letter of my own to Amazon.

It will be interesting to see how this one plays out...

Tina/Cassie

New Covers!

2009-04-08T20:39:00.005-04:00

I've gotten two fantastic new covers in the past week:

The first is for KYLE'S BARGAIN, a forthcoming release from Ellora's Cave.

Blurb: In a desperate attempt to save the small strip shopping center that houses her own bookstore and a few other small retailers, Meg Travis tries to blackmail developer Kyle Harrison into going with her to talk to the people his project is about to displace. He offers her a bargain. He’ll give her two hours of his time if she’ll agree to spend a night with him in his bed, and he won’t press charges if she’ll accept the punishment he proposes. He refuses to tell her what that penalty would be. Both honor their promises, but neither is prepared for the attraction that blazes between them in the process, turning duty into joy and punishment into pleasure.

Read the first chapter here: http://www.katherinekingston.com/Kyle.html.

The second is for WALPURGIS NIGHT, which was originally released as part of the EQUINOX 1 anthology and will be re-released by Ellora's Cave as a stand-alone novella.

Blurb: In 10th-century England, Norse invaders have begun to settle down and intermingle with the Anglo-Saxon residents. On Walpurgis Night it's expected that all adults will do their part to ensure the fertility of the land by indulging in sexual activity. Healer Fianna has been warned she must choose a partner for the night, but she doesn't like any of the candidates available in her town. When forced to make a decision, she selects Henrik, a visiting Norseman who’s come to watch the festivities.

They have a sizzling night together, but then he departs. Later, when Henrik's brother is wounded, he forces her to come and treat him. Fianna's not sure she can save the gravely injured man, but agrees to try. The situation forces her into close proximity with Henrik, and neither can resist the sexual attraction and growing love between them. But Henrik has long planned to leave the area as soon as his brother is healed and able to take over Henrik's responsibilities.

Read an excerpt here: http://www.katherinekingston.com/walpurgis.html

New Release Wednesday

2009-04-08T06:21:00.004-04:00

My latest romantic suspense book is out with Resplendence. As with most of mine, it features an older hero (50s) and heroine (50) and a great cover. Okay, not all of mine feature great covers, but this one is. It's got all of the elements: the stalker, the frozen lake, the pine trees ....

Yea! It's here!

Here's a blurb to whet the appetite:

Have you ever made a mistake in love? Did that mistake almost kill you?

M.C. ('Mac') Shefflington thought she finally escaped Tom Donaldson and her terrible past. She started to relax at her new home in Minnesota when the hang-up calls and tailgating started again, the same things that Tom used to do. Mac knows he's come back into her life.

Retired Sheriff Harry Mortonson is willing to help her because that might alleviate the guilt he feels about his own past and a woman he didn’t help, years ago. But when he meets Mac, he gets far more than he bargained for, including falling in love with her and protecting her from the crazy man who's stalking her.

In the end, it's up to Mac to lure Tom into a trap on one of Minnesota's frozen lakes where she, Harry, and Tom have one final confrontation. If she can succeed, she’ll save Harry and they’ll have a chance for a new life together. But if she fails, Tom wins and Mac will have to live her past—again.

--------------------

I think you'll like Harry (a retired sheriff with a dog named Law and a cat named Order) and Mac (the woman who won't buy snow boots because she's afraid it'll jinx her hiding out in Minnesota). And like all my books, one of the animals helps save the day, this time a gerbil.

Yep. A gerbil. You have to read the book to find out how!

April Newsletter Now Available!

2009-04-01T07:27:00.000-04:00

If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You’re also missing out on a chance to win every month!

The April 2009 issue is now available!

Check out the this month’s author interview with the talented J. C. Wilder.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.