HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Does anyone get any work done during the holidays? Not much, I think. In addition to a little writing, I’ve been enjoying making tree ornaments. As you can see from the pictures, the theme is cats, cut from cardboard, painted with acrylics and decorated with various types of glitter.



I’ve also included some pictures of a "work" session–with the grandkids, Jesse and Leo, and my son-in-law, Steve.



We made the ornaments after we opened our presents. And to make things easy on the moms, we ordered dinner from a Chinese restaurant. Then we had cookies and ice cream sodas for dessert and played Botticelli, which has become one of the kids’ favorite games. After that we watched PRINCE CASPIAN.

A fun day on the 25th.

Rebecca

DARK MAGIC by Cheyenne McCray

Here's another book I'm looking forward to.


DARK MAGIC by Cheyenne McCray

THE WAR BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL
Jake Macgregor has his hands full. As San Francisco’s Captain of the Paranormal Special Forces unit, he and his team are facing a powerful enemy that threatens to bring down the city. With the weight of the world already resting on his broad shoulders, the last thing Jake has time for is romance. So why—after a long, hard day’s fight against evil—are his nights filled with dreams of Cassia?

IS ABOUT TO GET A WHOLE LOT HOTTER…
Cassia is a D’Anu witch whose birthright ensures power and honor beyond imagination. It also forbids the one thing Cassia wants the most: the love of mortal Jake Macgregor. When she intervenes in a skirmish to save his life, the consequences are inescapable—even though the magic they make together is too luscious, and potent, to resist…



Cover: http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/27710000/27715251.JPG

Excerpt: http://cheyennemccray.com/books/magicseries/darkmagic-exc.html

ABOUT CHEYENNE McCRAY

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Cheyenne McCray has a passion for writing urban fantasy, paranormal, and suspense novels. Among other accolades, Chey has won the prestigious Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for “Best Steamy Romance of the Year.”

Chey penned her first poem in kindergarten, and has been writing ever since she can remember. She always knew one day she would write novels, hoping her readers would get lost in the worlds she created, as she did in her favorites.

Now, she gets to write full time and loves what she does. For St. Martin's Press, she writes the bestselling "Magic" series. She also writes suspense novels, including the upcoming “Lexi Steele” series, starting in February 2009 with The First Sin. In June 2009 Demons Not Included blasts off a new urban fantasy series.

Chey has three sons, three dogs, a messy house, and she will do anything to get out of cleaning, which may be why she writes so much.


REVIEWS for Dark Magic

4 ½ Star TOP PICK!
“McCray does a stellar job layering the danger, passion and betrayal. Awesome!”
~Romantic Times BOOKreviews.

5 Stars “What an absolutely stunning conclusion Cheyenne McCray has penned for her ‘Magic’ series. “Dark Magic” is everything I would have wished for and couldn’t have imagined!”
Goodreads

“[McCray]…delivers in a spectacular way.”
Night Owl Romance


Website: http://www.cheyennemccray.com

Oh Canada

I’m just back from a fabulous two-week trip to Canada–which ended with some spectacular wildlife viewing at an isolated lodge above Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world.

But my adventure started in Calgary in the midst of an Alberta chinook which delivered sixty-five degree weather in October. That was the perfect temperature for a tour of the city with members of Calgary Romance Writers and then a Friday book signing with some of the chapter authors.

On Saturday, I got down to brass tacks, presenting two in-depth workshops: TENSION–KEEPING THEM ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS and THE MARRIAGE OF PLOT AND CHARACTER. After that, Harlequin Intrigue editor Allison Lyons gave a rundown of some Harlequin lines, answered questions and took appointments with chapter members. While members pitched their book ideas, the rest of us gathered in the bar to relax after a long day of focusing on the writing craft.

Throughout the weekend, the warm and welcoming members of CaRWA were wonderful hosts. Everyone was great, but I particularly want to mention president Tawny Stokes (who writes as Vivi Anna), treasurer Astrid Theilgaard, program chairman, Moira Stelmack, and Vicki Chatham, who drove me and Norman to the book signing. You can see many of the pictures that CaRWA took during the event at http://www.calgaryrwa.com/york-pics-2008.html .

After the working weekend, Norman and I drove to Banff. CaRWA members had recommended that we stay at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which is built like a stone fortress. It’s situated to take maximum advantage of a breathtaking view down a mountain valley, as you can see from this picture.


We drove around the area
to the Columbia icefields and Lake Louise

and took the Banff gondola ride to a high mountain peak, where the wind chill was eight degrees. That night we warmed up over a pot of cheese fondue in the hotel’s cozy wine bar.



Then it was on to the most exciting part of the trip–at remote Seal River Lodge, where we spent four days having a unique wildlife adventure with hosts Mike and Jeanne Reimer and a cast of obliging polar bears. These great white beasts are so innocent looking. But you have to keep remembering that they’d eat you for lunch if they got the chance.

With eight of them hanging out in the vicinity, ready to pop out of the bushes or around the corner of the storage building, we weren’t allowed to go outside (except in the chain link fenced yard) unless we were accompanied by naturalists Terry Elliott and Andy MacPherson, who always carried shotguns. The hungry–or maybe just curious--critters pressed against the fence and peered in the windows of the lodge at all hours of the day (being careful to avoid the nail-studded sheets of plywood on the ground). At night, big plywood shutters and an armed guard kept us cocooned.



It was supposed to be a three-day stay, but the only way to reach the lodge (except when Hudson Bay is frozen) is by small plane or helicopter. The morning we were scheduled to leave, the wind was too fierce for us to fly out. Our only option was to hunker down for an extra day. That was no hardship because it gave us more time to dodge the polar bears who gathered around the lodge, no doubt drawn by the tempting cooking aromas. And yes, we loved those extra helpings of the chef and baker’s tasty treats.

The weather was cold for visitors from Maryland. (In the 30's some of the time and as low as eight with the wind chill.) So we had to bundle up when we went outside–where we saw two big male bears fighting to the point of drawing blood. Long walks on the tundra were part of the daily program, and one afternoon when we went out, a bear followed us down the gravel road. Two more circled around to cut us off at the pass. Luckily they ran away when the naturalists threw stones at them.


If the rocks fail, the guys carry pepper spray, noisemakers and the shotguns I mentioned. On another afternoon, Norman got some great shots of two big males fighting


and this wonderful shot of an unskilled furry mechanic making an unscheduled inspection of a plane.


As you can imagine, all those bear encounters made for an exciting few days. Now I’m wondering how I can set a suspense novel at a remote tundra lodge.

Rebecca

THE DARKEST TOUCH by Jaci Burton

This one looks like fun!


THE DARKEST TOUCH by Jaci Burton

He’s a hunter, a savior, a seducer.

And she just can’t get enough…

THE DARKEST TOUCH

Ryder. The man was just as sexy as she remembered him:

Tall, lean and dangerous, a demon hunter with the body of a god…

But archaeologist Angelique Deveraux has little time for lust. She’s been hiding a gleaming black diamond, a prize everyone wants—including Ryder—and now she’s running for her life. Hot on her trail is Ryder, a legendary demon hunter she desires but can’t quite trust, a man with an insatiable need for danger and a few dark secrets of his own…

As sparks ignite between the rogue hunter and his latest prey, Angie’s world is rocked again when her twin sister vanishes, stolen away by the same dark forces stalking Angie and the black diamond. With Ryder offering protection— and more —suddenly a woman who’s never trusted anyone is falling for a man who isn’t afraid of anything…except losing his heart. Now, as an all-out demon war erupts and Angie’s family secrets unravel, Ryder’s demon-hunt and Angie’s quest to save her sister are about to collide. And when they do, it’ll send these two wary hearts on the wildest adventure of their lives—and maybe even save humankind in the process…

Cover: http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/26610000/26610969.jpg

Excerpt: http://jaciburton.com/thedarkesttouch.html

ABOUT JACI BURTON
Jaci Burton was born and raised in Missouri but now lives on an acre-and-a-half in Oklahoma with her husband Charlie and five unruly dogs. Jaci loves to write about passionate relationships with sometimes stormy outcomes but always a happily ever after.


REVIEWS

~Romantic Times Bookreviews~ Gifted Burton adds more dark thrills and sexy danger to her well-paced story as these protagonists must fight to choose their destiny.

~Wild on Books~ THE DARKEST TOUCH is a brilliant addition to this saga that cannot be missed by fans of erotic paranormal romance!


Website http://www.jaciburton.com

RED FIRE by Deidre Knight

Here's a book with a fascinating premise.

“Powerfully sensual and mind-blowing,”* Deidre Knight’s novels have set the standard for boldly erotic paranormal romance. Now she unleashes an electrifying new series in which seven Spartan warriors, immortal protectors of humankind, battle their passions—a collective weakness that could lead to their downfall.

Eternity has become a prison for Ajax Petrakos. Centuries after he and his Spartan brothers made their bargain for immortality, Ajax struggles to maintain his warrior’s discipline. His only source of strength is his hope that he will soon meet the woman once foretold to him—the other half of his soul, Shay Angel.

Ajax searches for his destined mate on the haunted streets of modern-day Savannah, but he isn’t the first to find her. Shay, the youngest of a powerful demon-hunting clan, can see the monsters that stalk the steamy Southern night—an ability that draws the deadly attention of Ajax’s worst enemy.

As she and Ajax race to solve a chilling prophecy—one that could spell Ajax’s death if they don’t succeed—a fated passion arises, threatening to sweep away everything in its path.

*Romance B(u)y the Book


Cover: http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/27450000/27456218.jpg

Excerpt: http://deidreknight.com/red_fire_excerpt.html


ABOUT DEIDRE KNIGHT
Deidre Knight is president of The Knight Agency, which she founded in 1996. Since that time, she has grown the agency to national prominence, landing authors on every major bestseller list. Deidre began her writing career at age nine, when her award-winning essay on Barbie was published in her hometown newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She has been writing in one form or another ever since. After nearly a decade of working with Knight Agency clients, helping them discover their creative potential, her fiction debut with NAL in 2006 marked the fulfillment of her own lifelong writing dream. She is excited to embark on yet another new and fulfilling creative journey.



REVIEWS
“White-hot immortal warriors, heart-pounding romance, and thrilling action. It doesn't get any better than this!” --Gena Showalter, New York Times Bestselling author of The Darkest Pleasure

"Deidre Knight has created a fascinating world of gods, demons, and immortal warriors. Her heroine, Shay Angel, is both strong and sympathetic, a woman discovering powers she never knew she had. Legendary Spartan Ajax is handsome, seductive and haunted -- a hero to inspire delicious dreams. I can't wait for more!" –Angela Knight, New York Times Bestselling author of Master of Dragons

“Hot Gates, hot men, myth and magic in modern day... Red Fire flies above the rest. Sign me up for more Gods of Midnight!” – Jessica Andersen, bestselling author of Nightkeepers

"Scorching hot with a pace that never lets up." --Christina Dodd, New York Times Bestselling author of Touch of Darkness

“Knight provides an intriguing new twist to both Greek mythology and legendary Spartan warriors with this searing new series, as she sets up an alternate world that begs to be explored.” – Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times, 4-Star Review

“Here is a story as rich and as vibrant as any myth, and for those who are interested in the paranormal, Red Fire is a real feast for the hungry and a no holds barred winner.”—RomanceAtHeart.com


Website http://www.deidreknight.com
http://www.godsofmidnight.com

VEILED TRUTH by Vivi Anna

Here's another entry in Vivi Anna's wonderful Necropolis series. I'm really looking forward to reading it.


VEILED TRUTH by Vivi Anna
(Silhouette Nocturne, October 1, 2008)

Five years ago, virginal Lyra Magice had fled powerful dhampir Theron LeNoir's advances. But now an ancient text the dhampir possesses holds the key to solving murders that have plagued Necropolis. When another body is found and evidence points to the Mistress of the city, duty dictates that Lyra work with Theron—a man she regards as haughty, arrogant and immoral—to translate the symbols left at the crime scenes. But with their forced alliance comes darkly sensual dreams that leave her feeling wanton and achy….

Unwilling to reveal his dark past, the dhampir soon discovers that Lyra—a witch of great power—is to be the sacrificial virgin in a demonic scheme to open a portal to hell itself. Salvation will come only if Theron can win Lyra's trust—and her heart.

Cover: http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/28890000/28896715.jpg

Excerpt: http://vivianna.net/veiledtruth.php#excerpt


ABOUT VIVI ANNA

Canadian author, Vivi Anna likes to burn up the pages with her unique brand of fantasy fiction. Whether it's in the Amazon jungle, an apocalyptic future, or the otherworld city of Necropolis, Vivi always writes fast paced action-adventure with strong independent women that can kick some butt, and dark delicious heroes to kill for.

She writes for Silhouette Nocturne, Kensington Aphrodisia, Avon Red, and epublishers - Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, Loose Id and Whispers Publishing.

She’s an active member of RWA, serving as President of her chapter in Calgary.


REVIEWS

RT TOP PICK
“A police detective in Necropolis, witch Lyra Magice works with Theron LeNoir, half-witch/half-vampire, to foil a demon’s plot to take power within the city. Not to be overshadowed by the supernatural storyline of Veiled Truth (41/2), the relationship between Lyra and Theron is full of chemistry. Vivi Anna’s writing is wonderfully descriptive, and the plot is riveting. This book will definitely hold readers’ attention.”

“Veiled Truth is a captivating, impossible to put down, story filled with mystery, intrigue, and passion that I totally adored.” – Lyonene, Joyfully Reviewed, RECOMMENDED READ

TOP PICK
“Another highly enjoyable urban fantasy romance from Vivi Anna! This series is consistently fun and fabulous—in a dark, crime-solving kind of way, of course”. – Kay, Romance Reader at Heart


Website: http://www.vivianna.net

HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE by Nalini Singh

This one looks like a winner.

HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE by Nalini Singh

(Berkley, September 2, 2008)

With her darkly seductive Psy/Changeling world, Nalini Singh has created "a sensual, dangerous adventure not to be missed" (New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh). Now, as the deadly Psy Council tightens its grip, a rebel Psy scientist finds herself at the mercy of a changeling who has sworn vengeance against her kind...

Separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her psychically gifted race, Ashaya Aleine is the perfect Psy--cool, calm, emotionless...at least on the surface. Inside, she's fighting a desperate battle to save her son and escape the vicious cold of the PsyNet. Yet when escape comes, it leads not to safety, but to the lethal danger of a sniper's embrace.

DarkRiver sniper Dorian Christensen lost his sister to a Psy killer. Though he lacks the changeling ability to shift into animal form, his leopard lives within. And that leopard's rage at the brutal loss is a clawing darkness that hungers for vengeance. Falling for a Psy has never been on Dorian's agenda. But charged with protecting Ashaya and her son, he discovers that passion has a way of changing the rules...

Cover: http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/27300000/27305942.jpg

Excerpt: http://www.nalinisingh.com/hostage.html

Bonus Excerpt: http://nalinisingh.blogspot.com/2008/08/excerpt-hostage-to-pleasure-updates.html

ABOUT NALINI SINGH

Nalini Singh has traveled as far afield as the deserts of China and the temples of Japan, but it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her the most. She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as a writer.

Check out her website for excerpts, travel photos, and behind-the-scenes info on the Psy/Changeling series, as well as details of her new series, which kicks off with ANGELS’ BLOOD next March.

REVIEWS

"One of the greatest pleasures of these books is their ability to deliver both an intensely personal love story as well as a riveting societal drama. Singh is on the fast track to becoming a genre giant!” ~ Romantic Times (4.5 Stars, Top Pick!)

"Hostage to Pleasure is a powerful story of two very different people finding love where they least expect it...Fans of this series will be happy with the world that Singh continues to build. I know I can’t wait to see what happens next."

~ Casee for Book Binge

"Perhaps this is the most exciting and complex yet of the books in this series. Ashaya's dilemma is certainly among the most poignant and Dorian as her damaged hero is irresistible.”

~ Huntress Reviews

“HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE pulls you in, grabs your attention, and ensures you are going to be reading every last word of this story. Brava, Ms. Singh! Compelling paranormal romance at its finest!”

~ Sarah for Romance Junkies

Website: http://www.nalinisingh.com

RAZOR GIRL by Marianne Mancusi

I'm looking forward to this story!

Molly Anderson is not your average twenty-one-year-old. It’s been six years since she and her family escaped into a bunker, led by her conspiracy theorist father and his foreknowledge of a plot to bring about the apocalypse. But her father’s precautions didn’t stop there. Molly is now built to survive.

Yes, Ian Anderson’s favorite book gave him ideas on how to “improve” his daughter. Molly is faster, stronger, and her ocular implants and razor-tipped nails set her apart. Apart, when—venturing alone out of the bunker and into a plague ravaged, monster-ridden wilderness—what Molly needs most is togetherness. Chase Griffin, a friend from her past, is her best bet. But while he and others have miraculously survived, the kind boy has become a tormented man. Together, these remnants of humanity must struggle toward trusting each other and journey to the one place Molly’s father believed all civilization would be reborn: the Magic Kingdom, where everyone knows it’s a small world after all.

ABOUT MARIANNE MANCUSI

When it comes to writing, award winning author Marianne Mancusi likes to play the field. From time travel comedies to kick butt speculative fiction romances to a Buffy’esque vampire series for teens, she’s published eleven books in three years, in a myriad of genres and styles.

In addition to writing, Marianne is a multiple Emmy award winning television producer, currently working for the nationally syndicated women’s lifestyle show Better TV. A Boston native and graduate of Boston University ’s College of Communications , she currently lives on Manhattan ’s Upper West Side . (But has NOT become a Yankees fan!) In her spare time, Marianne enjoys clubbing, cosplay, cheesy horror movies (especially those featuring zombies!), her dog Molly, and videogames.

REVIEWS

“Opens with danger and will grab your interest immediately. Stellar!”
--Huntress Reviews

“An increasingly intense, suspenseful edge-of-the-seat thrilling ride…stunning, cutting edge romance.”
--Merrimon Book Reviews

"Non-stop thrill ride from page one! Marianne Mancusi spins an eerily marvelous tale in her book RAZOR GIRL."
--Simply Romance Reviews

"Mancusi doesn¹t hesitate to take chances and innovate!"
--Romantic Times

"Marianne Mancusi has returned with an edgy all-new tale, Razor Girl, filled with fast-paced action and a heroine strong enough to mold her own destiny."
--SF Scope

Website: http://www.mariannemancusi.com

Charmed & READY

Here's a book from one of my fellow Berkley authors. It looks like a lot of fun.

After spending most of her life single-practically an occupational hazard for a witch-Bronwyn's finally found a sexy warlock to love. But it's going to take more than a few love spells to keep him from getting jealous about her latest gig-protecting a rock star named Zane from the creepy Goth guys in cloaks who keep showing up at his concerts and zapping his mojo. Bronwyn would like nothing better than to blow them up in an inferno of Love That Red smoke, but they're proving elusive. And in the meantime-what girl wouldn't want to hang with the hottest man in music?

MY TRIP TO CHINA

How to tell you about China? Do you have all week? First off, it’s is a long way away–exactly twelve hours different from the US east coast. And the whole country is one time zone, even though it’s about as big as the US–one of Chairman Mao’s not-so-brilliant ideas.

We’ve happily driven around England, France, Italy and New Zealand, but I’m not so confident about negotiating China. So we went with Grand Circle Tours. Our group had seventeen and a national guide, joined by a local guide in each city. Everybody in China has a Chinese name as well as a American name–the initial one picked in elementary school English class. Our guide was Len, who made things easy for us. He got us good seats on each of our plane trips around the country. Told us what dishes the restaurants had put on the turntables in the center of the round tables. And he even tried to fix the hard Chinese beds in one hotel by getting us comforters–which didn’t help much.

We saw most of the sights you’ve heard about. Tiananmen Square (a vast stretch of hot concrete). The Great Wall standing out against the always smoggy sky and the terra cotta army in Xian, both ordered by an emperor with mind-boggling arrogance. Those soldiers were the most impressive sight I saw–rows and rows of warriors to protect the emperor in death. He had everybody who worked on the project killed and buried there (to protect the location), along with his concubines, who were buried alive. But the soldiers were broken and burned a few years later by an invader–and forgotten until a farmer digging a well discovered them in 1974. Lucky that was just at the end of the Cultural Revolution. If the Red Guards had learned about them, they would have probably finished smashing them up in their zeal to destroy China’s past.

Len’s stories were as memorable as anything we saw. He told about how his father was banished to the countryside during the Cultural Revolution and made to work with farmers who hated city people and forced him into hard labor with hardly any food.. He explained how his family finally got back to Shanghai and that his father and mother used to call each other "Comrade Chen," when they were dating. He also told about two defectors who got away from him while he was taking two separate groups of Chinese tourists to Australia. One slipped away in the middle of the night. The other jumped out a window at lunch and killed himself rather than go back home. Len told us he was happier when he believed everything his government told him. Getting to know westerners has broadened his perspective and made him question many of his government’s values. (He felt comfortable talking to us about this on the bus–but not in public.) Yet he’s basically an optimistic guy. And as China really does leap forward, the lives of the people are getting better.

Len also gave us some population statistics. China now has 1.3 billion people. That 0.3 is the population of the U.S., and it has been added only since 1991. It would have been 2 billion without the one child per family policy.

Weird fact: They’re hung up on "minority peoples." We were constantly being told which minorities live in which regions. There are 55 of these minorities, comprising about 5% of the population.

Of course, many of their customs are strange to us. Tiananmen Square was the first place I saw toddlers wearing standard Chinese little kid attire–pants with a cut out crotch. So when they squat down, their butts and other parts hang out. No diapers. They can just squat and shoot anywhere.

Which brings me to Chinese toilets. The traditional ones are "squatters." Many public bathrooms have both Chinese-style and western style. I was standing in line at an airport when a stall opened up. The next woman in line was Chinese, and when she saw the western toilet inside, she made a face and opted to wait for the next squatter. Apparently, it’s all what you’re used to. I conclude that the Chinese have better knees than we do.

The green spaces in Beijing and other big cities awed me. Obviously they put a lot of time and effort into manicured natural beauty. The parks are fantastic, with different color green and yellowish bushes made into curving hedges. Around them, and around many shrines, are lots of flowers–sometimes just in masses of pots–so they can be easily changed without the bother of planting. (They bring them in in truck loads like the racks of plants for sale at a Home Depot.) From the freeway bridges, you look down on stunning plantings.

The Forbidden City is VAST, and we had time to see only a fraction of it. I must watch THE LAST EMPEROR again to get a better look! One thing about tours--you can’t spend too much time anywhere. They rushed us to the zoo in Chongqing to see the Pandas. (Cute.) Then they wouldn’t let us stray to the bird flight cage.

Hum, well, there ARE places you’re forced to linger. You spend a lot of time in factory showrooms, after you get the lacquer demonstration, or the silk demonstration or the jade carving demonstration. The prices in the showrooms are high. You can do better at stands on the street–if you’re good at bargaining. I often let Norman bargain for me. He doesn’t care if he gets the thing or not–so he can be very hard-nosed.

I got some fantastic buys from people who came up to me on the street–selling stuff like 10 (4x5) silk purses for $5. I got them for $4. The best buys were at a market on the Yangtze River after we went to the Three Gorges Dam. I bought some beautiful silk jackets for $12 each.

Performances: The Peking Opera is very strange to western ears, even though we only got "Golden Moment" scenes from three operas. STABBING THE CLAM was pretty static, despite the title. THE MONKEY KING was better, with a lot of kung fu action. We also went to an acrobatic show–kind of Cirque de Soleil without as much background scenery. More like the way Ed Sullivan used to present variety acts. The Tang Dynasty show in Xian is like a Las Vegas review, down to the elaborately-decorated theater with dinner tables set perpendicular to the stage.

The Great Wall is MASSIVE. The day we went was cold and windy. Probably better than being hot, though. The steps are uneven, so climbing is difficult, and when you’re going back down, the view is scary if you hate heights, which I do. Just seeing the wall snake along the top of the mountain ridge is exciting.

Grand Circle makes sure you don’t just see national monuments. So we went to a sanitized street market and several people’s homes. Who knows how representative they are? One woman’s family had been resettled because of the Three Gorges Dam. Their family status was changed from farm to city. She lived in a "townhouse" with a beautifully cared-for garden terrace in back, a little grocery story in front and pigs in the walk-out basement.

The Grand Circle Foundation gives money to an elementary school in Xian. We visited, and the kids were all excited to see us. "What’s your name?" "How old are you?" They gave us Chinese flags they’d made and "snowflake" cut-outs from their art class. And they sang and had us dance with them in the music room. (One selection was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, in Chinese.) I decided that our group should serenade them with Old MacDonald Had a Farm. They knew the chorus.

As often as possible, Norman, I, and another woman kept "escaping" into various city neighborhoods. The tour would drop us off in a park or shrine, and we’d wander down streets and alleys, going into shops and stopping at stands. We saw live fish swimming in tubs, ducks and rabbits in baskets and cages. I assume they weren’t there to become pets.

The Three Gorges Dam will be the biggest in the world and is supposed to provide ten percent of the electric power in China. 1.3 million people will have to be resettled because it’s making a huge reservoir between the dam and Chongqing, and their villages have been or will be flooded. Would you believe they’re building this thing in an earthquake area? Keep your fingers crossed. There’s a lot of national pride wrapped up in the dam. The scale of the project is mindboggling. A boat takes four hours to get through the locks. The dam has flooded part of the famous Three Gorges scenery along the river. But you still motor past massive cliffs towering over your 200-passenger boat. Our boat was built for Chairman Mao so the windows were supposed to be bulletproof.

Shanghai has a population of 20 million, masses of skyscrapers, and masses of upscale shops. (Along with the usual narrow lanes with little shops and stands.)

In Chongqing we visited the Stillwell and Flying Tiger Museums and got some of the history of the Americans who kept the Burma Road open.
Guilin is a country town with only about 700,000 people (tiny by Chinese standards) and those startlingly steep hills you see in Chinese paintings. I couldn’t face the tea plantation that was an optional tour, so Norman and I wandered around town while most of the group had their tea demonstration. The sidewalks in every city and town are lined with what look like garage doors. Inside might be little shops, piles of junk, construction materials, or people shooting the breeze. In one "garage shop" on a major street in Guilin I saw a bunch of people pawing through piles of clothing on tables. I joined the scramble and found some cool looking tee shirts–for seventy-five cents each.

The tour ended in Hong Kong where we had a lot of free time to explore. You can’t walk twenty yards without some guy asking if you want to have a suit made. We got a recommendation from the local guide and went to a tailor shop–where we got a suit and sport coat for Norman. Nice quality. The weather was very clear and bright. I could see the smog rolling in from China, but it just hung over the mountains and didn’t invade the city. So we got a great view of the harbor and sky scrapers from Victoria Peak. (And got to do more shopping at the mall there–where the prices were surprisingly good..) At night, Hong Kong puts on a 20-minute light show similar to the one at Epcot, of all places. The buildings have lights up and down the sides. They blink on and off in patterns–to music–along with lasers. Afterwards, for something different, we went to an Indian-Thai-Malaysian restaurant in a "restaurant mall" up a narrow side alley. I’m a sucker for Indian bread, so we started with a cheese Nan and a rosemary Nan.

The next day was a wonderful ending to the trip. Norman and I and another couple spent hours in the Hong Kong museum learning about the history of the area, from prehistoric times through the Japanese invasion and occupation, the birth of the modern city, and the turn over to China. (In the film clips, Prince Charles looked pretty glum about it.) Before we picked up Norman’s suit, we went to the 18th floor of the Sheraton and had dim sum and iced tea, then "sweets," while sitting at a window-side table where we could look out over the harbor. (Too far up to see the trash floating in the water.)

I had an early flight out, so I had to get up at 4:30 in the morning to fly to Tokyo, then Minneapolis, where I had to sit around for seven hours. Hum, I think I didn’t explain that Norman and I flew separately, since I wanted to go business class (for my back), and he didn’t care. The night before I left, we divided up the stuff we’d bought, so we’d distribute the weight and the booty. The good news is that I got through customs with his sport coat and no problem.

The bad news is that I’m writing this at midnight, and I’m not tired!

You can see more pictures from my China trip in the Gallery on my Web site.

MOONSTRUCK, by Susan Grant

I have just returned from a three-week trip to China, so this is my first opportunity to tell you about Susan Grant's new book, MOONSTRUCK, which was published by HQN Books at the beginning of June.

PEACE IS FOR LITTLE GIRLS.
And Coalition starship admiral Brit Bandar is one tough woman. A mere intergalactic treaty could never get her to trust the Drakken Horde. There was too much bad blood between the Coalition and the Horde and, for intensely personal reasons, Brit wasn’t sure that she was through spilling it! But now a peaceful accord has made Finn Rorkken, a notorious Drakken rogue, second-in command on her starship – and through some grand cosmic irony – front and center in her thoughts…and her heart.

WARLEADER. PIRATE.
Either title sat easily on Finn’s battle-hardened shoulders. Though second-in-command to “Stone-Heart” Bandar? That would take some getting used to. Peace required as much sacrifice as war, so he’d comply even if his reaction to the gorgeous admiral fell decidedly outside protocol. But would he end up kissing or killing her if the galaxy’s tentative truce turned into all out war?

Cover: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514Ay5Ag9BL._SS500_.jpg
Excerpt: http://www.susangrant.com/books/moonstruck.htm

ABOUT SUSAN GRANT
RITA award winner and NY Times best-selling author Susan Grant loves writing about what she knows: flying, adventure, and the often unpredictable interaction between the sexes! When she’s not writing romances set in far-flung locales, Susan pilots 747 jumbo jets to China, Australia, Europe, and many other exotic overseas destinations where she finds plenty of material for her novels.

REVIEWS
4.5 stars! The quick pace and compelling characterization make this space adventure riveting! --reviewed by Jill Smith, RT Magazine

A gripping storyline, fascinating characters and great writing. Susan Grant has an immense talent for writing this special brand of romance. --Tanzey Cutter, Fresh Fiction.

"[A] can’t-put-down read that draws you in from the first page and doesn’t let go until the tension-filled final chapters!" -- Linnea Sinclair, RITA award winning author of THE DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES

This tale packs a punch! Fans of the Honor Harrington series (by David Weber) will thoroughly enjoy Brit and Finn's story. I could not help but give a spontaneous high-five when I finished this gem. -- Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews,

This book kicked serious butt. Susan Grant can write more like this and I'll be ready to devour them at a moment's notice! -- Kathy Boswell, The Best Reviews


Website: http://www.susangrant.com
http://www.the-borderlands.com

HEART OF THE WOLF

Today I have the pleasure of telling you about HEART OF THE WOLF, by Terry Spear. I love books with a hot romance and a lot of danger and suspense. And HEART OF THE WOLF fits that definition perfectly.

Terry Spear has written a very unique shape-shifter romance because she’s studied wolf pack social relations and transferred what she learned to a shape-shifter wolf pack. Or rather two packs–the grays and the reds.

HEART OF THE WOLF is the story of Bella and Devlyn, two shape-shifter lovers who have what looks like an insurmountable problem. When her red wolf pack is killed in a fire, Bella is taken in by the grays. But she’s forced to flee her adopted pack because Volan, the abusive alpha male, wants her. And she loathes him. Devlyn is the beta male, and he must do Volan’s bidding–including bringing Bella back to the pack where she will be forced to submit to the leader.

If Devlyn wants to claim Bella for his own, he must fight Volan to the death. Does he want her enough to fight for her? Is he strong enough to win out? Or will he die trying?

But Volan isn’t their only problem. The red wolves are on a killing spree, and Devlyn and Bella must flee the police and also their vengeful pack leader–while coping with their overwhelming need for each other.

Terry Spear rolls all that into a sensual, action-packed read that you won’t want to miss.

Rebecca York

Whose Fantasy Is This Anyway?

Back in the early 20th century, Sigmund Freud asked his famous question, “What do women want?”

Judging from my spam folder, I think guys are still trying to figure that out.

Penis enlargement is the–um–big thing. All you need is a super-sized tool, and the women will fall all over themselves to go to bed with you. Of course, I keep wondering how you’re supposed to reveal this piece of equipment to get her interested. Flash her at the office or on a bus?

Guys are preoccupied with size. And volume, apparently. How about THIS ad?

“Did you know that a recent survey showed that 85% of women actually get aroused by a man who produces ‘above average’ semen amounts? With our pills, she’ll be speechless… and definitely coming back for more…”

Yeah, she’ll be speechless, all right–when he floods her out of the bed.

Okay, I realize I’m getting a little gross here. And I also realize these ads play to male fantasies and vulnerabilities. It’s easy to satisfy your sweetie. You don’t have to be good at conversation, dancing or foreplay. Flowers, candy, and Champagne? A tender show of emotion?

Forget all that. You’ve got everything you need right in your magic wand. The bigger the better.
Any man who bothered to sit down and read a romance novel would find out very quickly that semen is pretty far down the list of what turns a woman on. Really, how many love scenes have you read where the guy erupts like Mt. Vesuvius? Or love scenes that get around to cleaning up after sex? Not many. Of course, a big tool can be a turn-on. But it’s not the be all and end all of sex. Just pointing that Maypole at her, then stuffing it into “slot B,” isn’t going to do the trick, because a woman needs her partner to turn her on before they get to intercourse. Remember that famous line from SEX AND THE CITY, delivered after a particularly disastrous sexual encounter: “Do you know what a clitoris is?”

Romance novels make it pretty clear what women want. We’re looking for a man who focuses his attention on his woman. Who charms her with his witty dialogue, then slowly and skillfully uses his hands and mouth to bring her to a tingling level of arousal before he . . . .

Well, you get the idea.

I enjoy writing love scenes where a man and a woman give each other pleasure. And when I’m in the middle of one, I’m as focused on the emotions of my hero and heroine as I am on the physical descriptions. The emotions of these two people and the building arousal reinforce each other to give the scene a depth that most male writers can’t achieve.

There are a few men who can do it, though. One guy who “gets it” is Ken Follett. In fact, he was actually one of my role models. When I read THE KEY TO REBECCA, my reaction was, “THAT’S what I want to write–two people falling in love against a background of suspense and danger.”

The hero and heroine may start off lusting after each other. They may jump into bed for the fun of it. But they end up committed to each other–body, mind, and soul.

Since I write romantic thrillers, I know my plot is going to drag my hero and heroine to hell and back. But I also know I’m going to reward them with a long, happy life together. And a fantastic sexual relationship is always part of the package.

To bring us around to the paranormal, that’s one of the reasons I got into werewolves. I love writing about the men in the Marshall family–my strong, sexy alpha male shape-shifters.

They enjoy sex on a very basic, very animal level. But when each of them finds his lifemate, the sex between them is mind-blowing–and a strong part of the bond they forge. In my latest book, GHOST MOON, even when Caleb Marshall is a ghost, he’s using sensuality to reach out to my heroine, Quinn, because he longs for a physical connection with her.

Sex is always integral to my stories. But sex in the context of a relationship where each partner takes pleasure in pleasing the other.

That’s what I’d like guys to take away from my books.

What do you want from your fantasy lover? And from the romances you read?

Dangerous Heroes

A couple of weeks ago, I gave a talk on the horror genre at the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation Conference in Oklahoma City. As I researched the topic, I realized something interesting. The roots of paranormal romantic suspense reach all the way back to the dawn of time. One of the ways the shaman of an ancient tribe maintained power over his people was to protect them from the scary beings that who roamed the night. And in those ancient spectral creatures, we can see the roots of today’s literary vampires, werewolves, demons, ghosts, and all the other beasts who fill the paranormal universe.

In paranormal romantic suspense, the villains may come from the ranks of these fearsome creatures. But at the same time, the vampires, demons and shape-shifters have also morphed into the heroes of many books. In my Berkley Moon series, for example, I’m writing about a family of very sexy alpha males–who happen to be werewolves. My first werewolf was Ross Marshall in KILLING MOON. He saw himself as an aberration in the modern world, yet he desperately wanted to be part of humanity. And the right woman helped him make peace with the wolf side of his being.

Now Ross Marshall is the linchpin of the family, guiding his younger brothers and cousins into a life they never could have imagined.. In my May book, GHOST MOON, he’s the one who organizes the family to fight a terrorist threat against the U.S. government. And he’s also the wolf who’s secure enough to reach out to my hero, Caleb Marshall, a ghost who was killed by Ross’s great-grandfather.

Intrigue is famous for sexy alpha males heroes. And that’s one of the things I love about writing for the line. For me, the paranormal element takes it even farther. My werewolves may be the heroes of my books, but you never know when their savage side will emerge. In GHOST MOON, Caleb wants to rip out the throat of the man who killed him. Since he’s seventy-five years too late to do that, he’ll go after the guy’s grandsons instead.

How far do you like to take the danger in your romantic suspense? Do you like dangerous, unpredictable heroes? Do you like heroes who live outside the bounds of civilization? Who is your ideal Intrigue hero? Or romantic suspense hero?

Rebecca

THE DARKEST NIGHT, by Gena Showalter

Here's the latest page-turner from Gena Showalter!


His powers – Inhuman
His passion -- Beyond immortal . . .

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man cursed to die every night, only to awaken the next morning knowing he has to die again.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love . . .

Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful . . . Don’t miss this incredible new paranormal series from Gena Showalter!


Cover: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511Dij-UhmL._SS500_.jpg

Read a three chapter excerpt here!


ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter has been praised for her “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories.” The author of more than seventeen novels and anthologies, Showalter is celebrated in a wide variety of genres for her breathtaking romances featuring dark, seductive heroes and strong, appealing heroines. Readers can’t get enough of her trademark wit and singular imagination, whether she’s writing paranormal stories about vampires, nymphs and superheroes, white-hot contemporary romance or alien huntress books. Her newest series, Lords of the Underworld, promises to be her sexiest and most addictive yet. Don’t miss this intoxicating blend of dangerous passion, demons and other supernatural forces, and immortal men who are hotter than hell!

REVIEWS

"A fascinating premise, a sexy hero and non-stop action, The Darkest Night is Showalter at her finest, and a fabulous start to an imaginative new series." Karen Marie Moning, New York Times best selling author
One of the premier authors of paranormal romance. --New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole

You can buy your copy at: Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Website http://www.genashowalter.com
http://www.lordsoftheunderworld.net

SHAPESHIFTER BLOG / RT REPORT

I've joined a blog for authors of shapeshifter romances. (I don't know if any of the heroines morph into chickens, though.)
We're kicking off the site with a contest this week. We're giving away books and a cute little wolf puppet I found. So if you want to go over and check it out, it's at

http://shapeshifterromance.wordpress.com/

I also have a report from the RT conference in Pittsburgh (last Wednesday through Sunday):

In many ways, RT was the same rip roaring non-stop party scene. Where else could I pose for a picture with Fabio? I'm always amazed at how much work goes into putting it together. And it seems to run more smoothly every year. I think the workshops are getting more "professional," but they were less well attended than in the past few years. Maybe those two things are related!

It's hard for me to evaluate the parties, since I am not a party animal. I have to periodically go hide in my room. But I did love seeing all the fantastic costumes. People put so much work into them! And I have an insane desire to dress up in a costume. But I was working too hard before I left to actually buy something. I do have a picture of me wearing vampire teeth, though.

This year was RT's 25th year, so they made a big deal out of that, including honoring the "pioneers of romance" who were in attendance. (Including me, Heather Graham, Carole Nelson Douglas, Bertrice Small, Roberta Gellis, Jannelle Taylor, and Pat Rice--among others.) They had a nice ceremony for us at the awards luncheon and gave us engraved chunks of glass (about 4" x 5"--shaped like a mountain.) The recognition was actually quite nice, even though I keep joking that it's an award for still being alive and still publishing.

The hotel is under construction, so that got in the way somewhat. Like, our hall was half done, so some days it smelled horrible. Apparently, the day before we arrived, there was plaster dust all over it.

DH was upset because the wireless was not working on the 6th floor--our floor. But we could use it in the lobby. So he kept going down and reading mail. Sometimes I went with him--which gave me more opportunities to meet people.

Because of the construction, there were no bathrooms on the lobby level. Kind of inconvenient. (But I did discover one hidden unisex bathroom in a large meeting suite.) Also, on the ballroom level, they had done something really strange. The women's room had urinals. And the men's room had a Tampax machine. (This latter info from DH.) I guess they hadn't planned to make the restrooms available, but they opened them up and slapped the signs on the wrong rooms.

Last year in Houston, there was a large atrium where you could meet people. This Hilton didn't have as good a meeting place. So there were more places you had to look for people.

Right at the end of the book signing, ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OFF IN THE BALLROOM, if you can believe that. I was, as usual, at the back of the room, facing a wall. But near an exit. I'm really glad I wasn't in the middle of a suddenly dark huge room. I carry a small flashlight in my purse, and I led DH and the woman signing next to me out of the room. It wasn't pitch black because some light came in through the exits from the windows outside the ballroom I can believe the blackout allowed some people to escape without paying, though.

I sold 43 books, so I felt really good about that. And it always makes me feel wonderful when people come up and say they love my books.

I always make an effort to meet new people. I did sit with readers I didn't know at some banquets, and I think I got some new people interested in my books. One of them is a guy who works as a prison guard but loves paranormal romance. He lcame up to me at the Book Fair and bought a copy of all three books I had there. And he says he'll e-mail me. His favorite writer is MaryJanice Davidson, so he will probably hate me, since my books are not funny.

Besides meeting fans, I felt like I made some good contacts with booksellers and also got to have a long talk with Sheila English, who heads Circle of Seven Productions. They've made three really great Book Trailers and teasers for me--all of which you can see at www.rebeccayork.com.
I also went to a private reception for Betweenyoursheets authors. And I loved putting faces with the names of the great people I've met there. They ran a contest at the Book Fair which sent a lot of readers to me to get my signature. You can check out their Web site at:

www.betweenyoursheets.com

I was also on the H/S panel--which included Randall Toye. I, um, asked him why lines start up and disappear so fast. (Bombshell, Everlasting, Love and Laughter.) He said that the cycle moves faster than it used to. Booksellers can track whether a line is selling practicaly in real time, and if it isn't, they stop carrying it. He said paperback sales are down across the board, but H/S sales are up--but not as much as they want. In the past, people could grow into liking a line. Now they'd better get with it fast, or they lose the chance.

Randall thought print books would be around forever, but e-books are definitely gaining. Still, even though they are increasing a lot, they started with a really small base. Some people in the audience said how much they love e-books. Other people said they want a real book.

Something I also like about RT is getting to sit down and talk with writer friends. Carole Nelson Douglas and I shared a table in Club RT. So--RT from my perspective.

RT is a great place to meet fans, meet with friends and have a great time.

Ruth

Rebecca York (aka Ruth Glick) ** http://www.rebeccayork.com
GHOST MOON, Berkley, 5/08
SOLDIER CAGED, Hqn Intrigue, 7/08
MAMMOTH BOOK OF VAMPIRE ROMANCES, Running Press, 8/08

LADY AND THE VAMP, by Michelle Rowen

With a title like this, Lady and the Vamp has to be a winner!



LADY AND THE VAMP by Michelle Rowen
April 2008 – Forever, an Imprint of Grand Central Publishing

She fights.
Janie Parker’s a supernatural assassin—not by choice, but what’s a girl gonna do? The only thing standing between her and decapitation at the hands of her hellish boss is a magical artifact called The Eye. To get it, all Janie has to do is find a dark, broody vampire named Michael Quinn and take it. Easy, right? Except if Quinn keeps kissing her that way, she just might lose her head...in more ways than one.

He bites.
Former vampire hunter Michael Quinn is determined to become human again. If he grabs hold of The Eye and makes a wish—then boom, everything’s good with the world. But now Quinn has a sassy tagalong with a long, delectable neck and orders to stake him on sight. He just hopes his first bite won’t be Janie’s last moment on earth...

Cover: http://www.michellerowen.com/images/

Excerpt: http://www.michellerowen.com/latv_chap1.htm


ABOUT MICHELLE ROWEN

Waldenbooks bestselling author Michelle Rowen is a self-confessed bibliophile, reality TV junkie, and is well known for making a mean pot of Kraft Dinner. Her novels for Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books) include the Immortality Bites series: BITTEN & SMITTEN (2007 Holt Medallion winner for Best First Book), FANGED & FABULOUS, and LADY & THE VAMP, as well as the standalone paranormal romance, ANGEL WITH ATTITUDE. Under the pseudonym Michelle Maddox she has written COUNTDOWN (August ’08) for Dorchester Publishing's new and exciting SHOMI line of "speculative" romance novels. Michelle lives in Southern Ontario, and is currently hard at work on her next fantastical novel.

REVIEWS

“I loved Lady & the Vamp! Michelle Rowen has again successfully written a funny and highly entertaining vampire story...I can’t wait for book four of this series!” – Armchair Interviews
“Lady & The Vamp is a fast paced and entertaining read. Its light comic style effortlessly pulls the reader along for a ride...dishing up romance and laughs along the way.” – LoveVampires.com
“This book was great fun. Janie and (Quinn) are a breath of fresh air...you'll be laughing and rooting for them both from the very beginning.” – Fresh Fiction

"Excitement, a strong, character driven, intense plot, and wicked humor keep this story racing... As usual, Ms. Rowen delivers a winning story. Enjoy it. No fooling." – Huntress Romance Reviews

"4 stars! Fans will appreciate the light tone, the smooth and swift narration... throughout the third book of Rowen's Immortality Bites series." – Romantic Times BOOKreviews

Website: http://www.michellerowen.com

SOLAR HEAT and MIDNIGHT REIGN

I can't wait for this one!



SOLAR HEAT by Susan Kearney
(TOR Books, February 5, 2008)

WATCH the book video here: www.susankearney.com

Is she an indispensable ally. . . or his worst enemy?

When Intersolar Mining entrepreneur Derrek Archer rescues Azsla from her emergency sleeping pod, he's confounded by his desire for her. An inexplicable desire. An irresistible desire that causes Derrek to wonder if he's been drugged or hypnotized.

Is she better off with him . . . or without him?

Azsla's attracted to the sexy asteroid miner, but she fears getting close to Derrek might compromise her mission and reveal her secret. A secret that she's an enemy spy and her facade hides a complex and powerful woman—one capable of enslaving Derrek and destroying everything he holds dear.
Will Azsla's devastating secret destroy them . . . or save them?
When a cataclysm of deadly proportions threatens Derrek's world, they must overcome their distrust, suspicion and opposing loyalties. But while uniting forces might save a planet, working together might tear them apart or bring them together. Forever.

Cover: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DERqxvq2L._SS500_.jpg

Excerpt: http://www.susankearney.com/solar_heat.html

ABOUT SUSAN KEARNEY
Susan Kearney used to set herself on fire four times a day, now a USA TODAY BESTSELLING author, she does something really hot—she writes paranormal romance. With over 50 books in print, she can still apply the old rule of "write what you know" and never run out of ideas for characters and plots. An All-American and professional diver, expert in martial arts, sailor, real estate broker and owner of a barter business as well as women's fitness and three hair salons, she has enough material for a lifetime.


REVIEWS for Solar Heat

Romantic Times 4 ½ Stars Top Pick

Susan Kearney writes futuristics as good as anyone in the business. Her world building is fantastic, but yet doesn’t overpower the characters or the inherent love story. Sparks fly off the pages of SOLAR HEAT, be careful you don’t get burned.—Cat Cody


Susan Kearney has written another great futuristic romance. The characters reach out to the reader, even through the galaxies. SOLAR HEAT is definitely hot! -- Lori Sears


"A hot and sexy sci-fi fantasy set among the stars."
Reviewed by Mandy Burns Fresh Review

SOLAR HEAT is one sensual roller coaster that will speed up any reader's heart rate. I give Solar Heat 5 Moonbeams.

Veronica
Strictly Romance Reviews


Website: http://www.susankearney.com





Here's a book that's made to order for vampire lovers.



Chris Marie Green also writes as Crystal Green for Silhouette Special Edition and Harlequin Blaze. MIDNIGHT REIGN is book two of the Vampire Babylon series, following NIGHT RISING, Book One.

















Reviews:

“An exciting, high tension horror thriller with enough unresolved trust and family issues to make it credible, a hint of romance for spice and a bit of black humor to lighten up the often dark tone, this is a nicely conceived modern vampire tale that will keep readers guessing. The conclusion is certain to leave fans anxiously awaiting the final installment.”
- MonstersandCritics.com

“MIDNIGHT REIGN VAMPIRE BABYLON BOOK 2 is a powerhouse of emotions and revelations…. This story grabbed me and wouldn’t let go until I finished it. Now I have to find out how it all ends. Don’t miss this one. You won’t be sorry. “

- Chere Gruver, PNR

KEEPERS OF THE FLAME by Robin D. Owens

Here's Robin D. Owens' latest. She's always a favorite of mine.



KEEPERS OF THE FLAME by Robin D. Owens
Luna

Twin sisters Bri and Elizabeth Drystan each have a special gift for healing, but they've taken very different career paths. While Elizabeth has pursued a medical degree, Bri has taken a more unorthodox and holistic path. Both of their gifts are sorely needed in the world of Lladrana, as the Dark has launched a deadly new plague.

Abruptly summoned to this alien world by desperate sorcerers, Bri and Elizabeth discover they are the fourth such summoning of Earth-born women, or Exotiques. The situation in Lladrana is dire, and Bri and Elizabeth are immediately thrown into the fray. To save the lives of many, one twin may place her own life in dire risk.

Cover: http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/14540000/14547358.jpg

Excerpt: http://www.robindowens.com/reads/KeepersOfTheFlame.pdf


ABOUT ROBIN D. OWENS

Robin D. Owens has been seriously writing longer than she cares to recall, but is very happy with how her writing career is proceeding. She was named the Writer of the Year by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers in 2004, and 2003 Writer of the Year by the Denver Area Science Fiction Association. Robin has been the librarian, contest co-chair, and President of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. She has given seminars at Pikes Peak Writers Conference, the Colorado Gold Writers Conference, and Romance Writers of America as well as other groups.


REVIEWS

As Owens' multifaceted saga, The Summoning, continues, the sorcerers get an unexpected bonus: two for the price of one in the form of twins...Events continue to darken in this intricate fantasy world, the stakes keep rising, and losses become inevitable. Strong characterization combined with deadly danger make this story vibrate with emotional resonance. Stay tuned as events accelerate toward the final battle. —Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times

This is one of the most engaging worlds ever to grace the universe of epic fantasy. Though the basic framework of the prior three novels is maintained, Keepers of the Flame does not follow any set "formula," but is filled with surprises as the sisters adapt and struggle in the world to which they have been summoned. Thus, what is loved about the other books is still there, but it is also a fresh, new spin on the overall story. -- Amanda Killgore, Huntress Reviews

I was utterly fascinated by this latest Exotique story. The Lladranans are coming closer and closer to finding a solution for finally facing the Dark in a final battle. They can only hope they can set all the pieces of the puzzle into place and finally triumph to save Lladrana once and for all. Robin D. Owens has pulled out all stops with this one in yet another intriguing peek into her Lladranan world. -- Kathy Boswell, The Best Reviews


Website: http://www.robindowens.com

HEAT OF THE NIGHT by Sylvia Day

This
sounds like my kind of read.


HEAT OF THE NIGHT by Sylvia Day
ISBN: 978-0061231032
HarperCollins Avon
January 8, 2008


Bad boys are her weakness and no one is as wicked as Connor Bruce…


He is the realization of every woman’s erotic fantasies. Existing in the Twilight between sleep and consciousness, Connor brings them decadent pleasures, fueled by their sexual energy. But violence and strife now tear apart both worlds, and Connor must embark on a perilous quest into the mortal realm … and into the arms of one intoxicating enchantress.


Stacey Daniels has always been attracted to the wrong type of men – and the muscular, Viking-like champion on her front doorstep is no exception. She can hardly believe the wounded warrior is from another world, a world where erotic dreams are needed to survive, a world of terrible danger that has followed him to her home. Connor finds solace in her passion, but only time will tell if he can defeat the dark foe who hunts them … and if Stacey can surrender to the promise he offers with every electrifying touch.


Cover: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41b%2BhZW2M8L._SS500_.jpg



Excerpt: http://www.guardiannovels.com/novels/heat




ABOUT SYLVIA DAY



SYLVIA DAY is the national bestselling, award-winning author of over a dozen novels. A wife and mother of two, she is a former Russian linguist for the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. Her books have been called “wonderful and passionate” by WNBC.com, “wickedly entertaining” by Booklist, and frequently garner Readers’ Choice and Reviewers’ Choice accolades. She’s been honored with both the EPPIE award and a finalist nod for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award of Excellence.



REVIEWS


“I highly recommend this book especially to readers who love fantasy romance.”
– Paranormal Romance Writers


“Sylvia Day’s Guardians are deliciously spicy, especially the intensely sexual Connor. Love the paranormal world! Love the characters! Love the sizzling romance! Love Heat of the Night! Love Sylvia Day!”
– Annmarie, Joyfully Reviewed


“Heat Of The Night is not only a love story, it’s also an extremely adventurous tale of good versus evil. I couldn’t stop reading, waiting to see what would happen. In this story, there were characters from the first book as well as new characters, both evil and good. The adventure and love story combine, woven together by a wonderful plot. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in Ms. Day’s marvelous series.”
– Marcy Arbitman, The Romance Studio


“Day’s second installment in her Dream Guardian series starts off with a bang! Her hot and steamy sex scenes will leave readers breathless and aching for more. The hero and heroine are believable and well written, and the hero is rugged and definitely dreamy. With characters from the first book added in, as well as a mixture of new faces, plus dashes of paranormal elements, Day has a winning recipe.”
– Janean Sparks, RT BOOKreviews



Website: http://www.dreamguardians.com | http://www.sylviaday.com