MOONGAZER

Here's a book that sounds intriguing!

MOONGAZER by Marianne Mancusi
Dorchester, August 2007

Imagine every night entering a nightmare world you can't escape and being told your life is a dream. Skye Brown has it all: the cool job, the hot boyfriend, the apartment on New York's Upper West Side. But lately she can't enjoy any of it. She's having dreams of a post-apocalyptic world. Of a bleak futuristic wasteland. Of a struggle against oppression. And she's been told she's a...

MOONGAZER

But what is that? And what is reality? In her dreams, she's not Skye Brown at all, but Mariah Quinn. In her dreams there's Dawn, the beautiful yet haunted soldier, and Skye is but the empty shell of a girl he once loved. And there was a betrayal, a great betrayal. Ripped between Dark Siders and club kids, the mundane and the mystic, Skye must discover who she is, what she wants and who wants her. And why. But in the glow of the moon, it's not always easy to recognize the face in the mirror.

Cover:
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0505527251.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V41968999_.jpg

Excerpt:
http://www.dorchesterpub.com/Dorch/SpecialFeatures.cfm?Special_ID=2222

ABOUT MARIANNE MANCUSI
When it comes to writing, award winning author Marianne Mancusi doesn't like to play by the rules. A multiple Emmy award winning television producer, she sold 11 novels to three publishers (Dorchester, Berkley , Dutton Children's) in less than three years. Marianne has worked in television stations in Orlando , San Diego , and Boston . A graduate of Boston University 's College of Communications , she currently produces for a nationally syndicated lifestyle show. She lives in Manhattan 's Upper West Side .


REVIEWS
“Exhilarating! Once I started, I couldn’t put this book down!”
– New York Times Bestselling Author Gena Showalter

"Dreams, reality and virtual reality collide in Mancusi’s exciting and frightening new futuristic thriller.”
- Romantic Times Magazine 4 Star Review

"An enthralling combination of The Matrix and Snow Crash with a bit of Blade Runner thrown into the mix.”
- SF Scope

Website http://www.mariannemancusi.com

BOOK EXPO MADNESS

Here I am signing ROYAL LOCKDOWN at the Harlequin Booth at BEA. The Book Expo was a lot of fun. But for some reason, the Javits Center forgot to turn on the air conditioning the first day. So it was really HOT. And even when they turned it on, it was still pretty uncomfortable. I had bought a jacket to wear to the book signing. But I decided I'd be better off wearing a shirt instead of a jacket.

We spent a lot of time looking at the exhibits. The Ellora's Cave booth was one of the more interesting. They'd driven their bus into the Javits Center and used it as the backdrop for their tables. They were giving away decks of cards and some of the fake "lollipops" and "matchbooks" you may have seen at RT. At another booth we got cute animal bookmarks for the grandkids. And we stood in line to get books from authors like Dave Barry, E. L. Konigsburg, Lisa Jackson, Martin Cruz Smith, and David Balducci. And, of course, I got a lot of books from the other Harlequin and Silhouette authors.

I've been going to BEA off and on for years. And I've watched it change. Years ago, they used to discourage publishers from having book signings at their booths. Now it's part of the fun and advertised in the BEA directory everyone gets at registration.

I also brought back about fifteen different kinds of cloth bookbags to give to friends.

There was a huge cafeteria in the basement with various companies selling food. We got lunch at a Greek stand, and the food was surprisingly good. And upstairs at the sides of the exhibit floor, you could get drinks and ice cream.

For lunch on Friday, we went out to a German/Austrian restaurant with my Harlequin Intrigue editor and her assistant. It was fun getting together with them and a nice relaxing interlude in the middle of the BEA madness.

PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT, by Sylvia Day

I love writing about people communicating in dreams. So this book has a lot of appeal for me.

PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT by Sylvia Day

ISBN: 0061230987

HarperCollins Avon, April 24, 2007

In the Twilight between sleep and consciousness, a battle rages between Dream Guardians and Nightmares. Captain Aidan Cross is a legend, as skilled in fulfilling erotic dreams as he is with the glaive that kills his enemies. Women see Aidan as part of their fantasies...except Lyssa Bates. Exquisite, desirable, enigmatic Lyssa perplexes this immortal seducer because she sees him as he really is. And as he attempts to unravel her secrets the unthinkable occurs: Aidan Cross falls in love.

Lyssa has been having the most incredible dreams about a man whose blue eyes hold the promise of decadent pleasures and tempting intimacies. And then he appears on her doorstep! This intoxicating stranger is just as irresistible as the man of her dreams...but with her surrender there is also grave danger...

Because Aidan is on a mission, and the passion that consumes them body and soul could have dire consequences. Loving the mortal woman prophesied to destroy Aidan's world is not only impossible...it is forbidden.

Cover: http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0061230987.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_V23154607_SS500_.jpg

Flash Excerpt: http://www.guardiannovels.com/novels/pleasures/aidan-ii/

Non-Flash Excerpt: http://www.guardiannovels.com/novels/pleasures/aidan-ii/2/

ABOUT SYLVIA DAY

SYLVIA DAY is the 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. Her work has won the EPPIE and been named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA^® Award of Excellence.

REVIEWS

“This is a brilliant book. Passionate and full of lush romance...”
–TJ, The Romance Studio

“…one of the best stories I’ve read in a Romance category thus far this year (2007). Sylvia Day obviously knows what readers love!”
– Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

“…a brilliant new world… Passionate, exciting and spellbinding...”
- Lettetia, Fantasy Romance Writers

“PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT sizzles as a romance, enthralls as a paranormal, and captivates with a fantastic cast of characters. I didn’t want the ‘night’ to end!”
- Susan Grant, New York Times bestselling author

“So hot the pages should be on fire!”
- Gena Showalter, New York Times bestselling author

“I was enthralled with this book. It was erotic, sensuous and had an amazing plot.”
- Marcy Arbitman, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

“PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT is a must read. An absolute must!”
– Natasha, Romance Junkies

Website: http://www.dreamguardians.com

http://www.sylviaday.com

RT and Damsel under Stress

I’m just back from the RT Convention and my head is still spinning.

My Harlequin Intrigue, THE SECRET NIGHT, won the Reviewers' Choice Award for best Intrigue. It was a real thrill to go up on stage and collect that honor. And winning means a lot to me, since it’s always wonderful to be honored for your craft.

I also had another wonderful experience. I’m on the committee that chooses the recipient of the Melinda Helfer Fairy Godmother Award. And this year I got to give it to librarian Kristin Ramsdell who writes the romance review column in LIBRARY JOURNAL. Her day job is Coordinator for Library Instruction, Liaison Responsibilities, and Collection Development for the English, Communications, and Theater and Dance Departments at the California State University, Hayward. But she’s been a champion of romance for a long time. In addition to the column, she’s a frequent speaker on genre fiction panels at library conferences. Among her many publications is, WHAT ROMANCE DO I READ NEXT?: A READER'S GUIDE TO RECENT ROMANCE FICTION. Gale, 1997.

A lot of authors attended this year, many of them with e-book or small publishers. And the place was swimming with giveaways. You could pick up everything from candies and bookmarks to emery boards and even a back scratcher. One bookseller told me she was shipping home eleven boxes of books and other loot.

The best part of the conference for me was talking to friends like Angela Knight, Pat Potter, and Debra Webb, especially since I'm not going to RWA this year. We're going to Thrillerfest, which is at the same time in New York.

Of course, you can’t talk about RT without the parties. They were fantastic as usual. I loved the costumes at the Fairy Court and the Vampire Ball. And the hotel food was a very pleasant surprise. They also had a fun revolving restaurant on the top floor, where you could eat lunch or dinner and enjoy a 360-degree view of the Houston skyline. The restaurant made the full circuit in 45 minutes.

The hotel was a Hyatt Regency--so it was a big atrium with rooms around it--up to 30 floors. The atrium makes it easy to find your friends, but it was also noisy, and the noise drifted up to the rooms. Until way into the small hours of the morning.

As always, the Book Fair was a great place to meet fans. And this year, as an added feature, they showed book videos on two big screens during the Book Fair. Since the screening was sponsored by Circle of Seven, and they produced my video for NEW MOON, I got in on the deal for free!

Club RT was another good place to meet fans. I sat and chatted with a lot of people there. But the room is also a marketplace. And you know I had to buy some stuff. I got a cute tee shirt with an elephant trying to write a romance novel. But my big purchase was a gorgeous embroidered velvet jacket that I wore to the fairy ball.

One trend I'm seeing at RT--groups of authors getting together to host bookseller events. I participated in one with the thriller writers. And, some of the thriller writers attending are guys–which gives the conference a little different spin from years past. Jim Butcher, of Harry Dresden fame, was there, and he got a lot of attention. I’d met him before at another conference, so we chatted for a while.

Now that I'm back, I'd also like to tell you about a book that's just out.

DAMSEL UNDER STRESS by Shanna Swendson

It's a paranomral comedy. Owen Palmer, the dreamboat wizard at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., has conjured up the courage to get Katie Chandler under the mistletoe at the office holiday party. But just when it looks like Katie has found her prince, in pops her inept fairy godmother, Ethelinda, to throw a wand into the works. Ehtelinda’s timing couldn’t be worse. A plot hatched by MSI’s rogue ex-employees, Idris and his evil fairy gal pal Ari, threatens to expose the company’s secrets ­ and the very existence of magic itself. Even worse, it could also mean the end of Katie’s happily-ever-after.

All mischief and matters of the heart come to a head at a big New Year’s Eve gala, when the crystal ball will drop, champagne will pour, and Katie will find herself truly spellbound. Find out more on Shanna's web site. http://shannonswenson.com/


PICTURES FROM THE RT CONVENTION:


Rebecca and Sunny at RT reception


Ann Parker, Jason Pinter, Karna Small Bodman, Rebecca, and Tracy Montoya on Thriller panel


Tara Taylor Quinn, Pat Potter, and Rebecca on Romantic Suspense panel


Rebecca giving Melinda Helfer Fairy Godmother Award to Kristin Ramsdell


Rebecca signing books at RT Book Fair


Rebecca at Murder by the Book booksigning

Behind the Curve

Well, I’m definitely behind the curve. Our son lent us the first two seasons of the Sopranos on DVD. We started watching last week, and we’ve been gobbling them up at the rate of two or three a night–plus some of the creator’s commentary.

We didn’t have HBO when the series started, so we couldn’t watch. Then we got HBO, and I didn’t want to start in the middle. So here we are, at the beginning of the last season and just getting started. The good news is that we have a lot of great viewing ahead of us. The characters are so complex and compelling that we sit and watch them for hours.

I feel like we shouldn’t like these people, but we do. Well, mostly. Tony’s mother is something else. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to play her. And the guys who work for Uncle Junior slimes.

So, don’t tell me what happens in the last season. I’ll catch up with you eventually.
Rebecca.

BOOK NEWS

I'm excited to tell you that NEW MOON has been on the USA Today Best-Seller List for three weeks and Bookscan for four weeks. Soon my new web site will be up, and I'll be able to point you to that. If you go to my web site (www.rebeccayork.com) now, you can find a pointer for the NEW MOON book trailer. People have been telling me it makes them want to read the book. And the fun part is that if you look at the long version, you'll see both me and dh in bit parts.


Another book that's just out is SIGHT UNSEEN by Samantha Graves

Warner Books; April 1 2007

Raven Callahan doesn’t do it for the money. She does it for the thrills. As a consultant for API, an art recover company, she gets to steal—legally. But when her colleague is kidnapped during an assignment, Raven is forced to steal a priceless master painting to save his life.

David “Dax” Maddox was the perfect street cop—until a botched burglary raid cost his partner his life and Dax his ability to see color. Now, with his world gray, Dax has only one mission: to take down the murderer. And he’ll use anyone—even a sexy thief with questionable ethics—to get justice.

Soon Dax and Raven are forced together as pawns in a madman’s scheme. From the heart of Cuba to the New York art world, they find themselves in a race against time to stop the ultimate revenge.

Cover: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0446618381/ref=dp_image_0/102-1632731-2872900?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Excerpt: http://www.samanthagraves.com/suexcerpt.html


ABOUT SAMANTHA

Samantha Graves turned a lifelong love of daydreaming into writing fiction. Under the name of C.J. Barry, she is the award-winning author of the UN-Forgettable Futuristic romance series. She now brings her unique blend of high adventure, sizzling romance, mystery and humor to her first contemporary romantic suspense.

Vacuum Rejection

All writers get rejections from editors. There’s no writer who’s been in this profession for a long time who hasn’t gotten rejected at one time or another.

But I got a new kind of rejection last week. My maid service rejected me because I didn’t have the right kind of vacuum cleaner attachment. I’m not kidding. I had a substitute for my regular maid, and she complained that she didn’t like doing the rugs without the beater attachment. Well, I have had maids who HATE that attachment. I’m sure a maid broke mine years ago, and I never replaced it.

The day after the cleaning, the owner of the service called to tell me she couldn’t possibly send anyone else to my house until I got a new beater attachment.

I said, “You’re kidding, right?”
When she said she wasn’t kidding, I said, “so we’ll just leave it that way.” Then I hung up, none too gently.

I was just going to never get the attachment. And never communicate with her again. And I sent dh off to start calling cleaning services to find a new one that brought their own equipment so they wouldn’t have to break mine. But I decided to have a conversation with the owner. She apologized to me. And I would have taken her back. But it turned out dh was more bent out of shape than I was. He said we were going to try another service. So here I am in the brave new world. I think the house is cleaner. I’m not perfectly sure.

Have you ever noticed that house cleaners always start off with a bang? They clean within an inch of their lives. Then things deteriorate. So I’m still waiting to see how it all shakes out.

Rebecca

VISIONS OF HEAT by Nalini Singh

Say--hot indeed!


VISIONS OF HEAT by Nalini Singh
Berkley Sensation / March 6, 2007

Go deeper into the world of the Psy and the changelings, where a gifted woman sees passion in her future-a passion that is absolutely forbidden by her kind...

Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous-aching need...exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her.

Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take either man or jaguar form, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced-and keep her from Vaughn...

Cover: http://www.nalinisingh.com/images/Visions.jpg

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

ABOUT NALINI SINGH

Nalini Singh is passionate about writing. Though she’s traveled as far afield as the deserts of China and the temples of Japan, 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.

Nalini lives, works and eats copious amounts of chocolate in beautiful New Zealand.

REVIEWS

“…if you're a paranormal reader, this is one book that you have to read!"
~Julie Kornhausl for Romance Reader At Heart

“Nalini Singh has done the enviable; she has written a sequel that lives up to its predecessor.”
~Fallen Angel Reviews, 5 Angels, Recommended Read.

“A breathtaking blend of passion, adventure and the paranormal. I wished I lived in the world Singh has created. This is a keeper!”
~Gena Showalter, bestselling author of The Nymph King

“…I read the book in one night. One single night. Stayed up until 3 a.m.…This book sucked me in and would not let go….The sexual tension between Vaughn and Faith was explosive from their very first meeting….” ~Jaci Burton, Author of Surviving Demon Island

Website http://www.nalinisingh.com (includes Behind the Scenes info on the Psy/Changeling series)

MY FAVORITE EARTHLING by Susan Grant

This sounds like a really fun story.

MY FAVORITE EARTHLING by Susan Grant
HQN; March 1, 2007

Even a Goddess can have a bad day...
Keira, warrior-queen of the galaxy, is as famous for her beauty as she is for avoiding marriage. But when an upstart little planet called Earth threatens her world with its fleet of spaceships, the fate of her people lies in her hands. She must bind herself to a barbarian from the rogue world...or face the destruction of her own!

She's what he never knew he always wanted...
Confirmed bachelor Jared Jasper knew the trick Earth pulled on the alien invaders wasn't a permanent solution. What they needed was a peace treaty. It just never occurred to him that he would wind up on the bargaining table. Playing the pushover groom to a mouthy alien babe who knows how to use a plasma sword is not exactly his idea of fun. But with six-billion people depending on him, he doesn't have much choice--sleep with the enemy...or bring on interstellar war.

Strange bedmates? You bet. But this alliance may turn into a romance the likes of which this galaxy's never seen!

Cover:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0373771924.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V48704388_.jpg

Excerpt:
http://www.susangrant.com/books/earthling.htm#excerpt

ABOUT SUSAN GRANT

Former USAF jet pilot and current commercial airline pilot, RITA award-winner and New York Times bestseller Susan Grant loves writing about what she knows: exotic places, action, adventure, and the often unpredictable interaction between men and women.


REVIEWS

“Susan Grant writes heroes to die for!” --Susan Kearney, USA Today bestselling author

“I loved this book! I can't rave about this novel enough. From an arranged marriage, to royal espionage, to saving Earth, MY FAVORITE EARTHLING is not a book to be missed!” – Sylvia Day, bestselling author of Pleasures of the Night

“Susan Grant's sexiest story yet!” -- Gena Showalter, bestselling author of The Nymph King

“A sizzling cosmic romp!” -- Angela Knight, USA Today bestselling author

“Dang but Jared was a hot hero! Susan Grant is an author I sincerely wish I hadn't waited so long to discover! -- Shannon McKelden, author of Venus Envy

“Charming, witty, and sexy as all get out!” --Linnea Sinclair, RITA award-winning author of Games of Command

4.5 stars! “This interstellar romp starts off fast and soon is hip deep in sexy humor and deadly assassination attempts. Grant has really hit her stride with this marvelous blend of humor and danger.” --Jill Smith, Romantic Times Magazine

“Susan Grant proves once again why she is Master of the Futuristic Genre. Jared and Keira's heat burn up the pages!” – award-winning author Colby Hodge

WEBSITE http://www.susangrant.com

Watergate Hotel no longer in danger

I got some great news from the Washington Post today. I have a really hot love scene between Lance Marshall and Savannah Carpenter in SHADOW OF THE MOON. I thought it would be cool to have the scene at the Watergate Hotel. So dh and I went on a research trip and stayed there--and had a fun time. Our room was one of the largest hotel rooms I've been in, with a bed at one end and a charming living room area at the other. Out the window was a great view of the Potomac River. All in all, it was the perfect location for my story.

After the book went to press, I found out that the company that owned the hotel was planning to turn it into condos. Lucky for me, residents in the Watergate apartment complex protested. They kept the plans from going forward. And now the D. C. housing market has flipped. Hotels are once again more profitable than condos. Which means the Watergate Hotel will be renovated into an even more luxurious setting. So now my h/h aren't going to a hotel that no longer exists.

Rebecca

BLOOD SECRETS by Vivi Anna

I know this book is fantastic, because I've already read it. Vivi Anna had a cool concept for this story, and she executed it with panache.

BLOOD SECRETS by Vivi Anna
Silhouette Nocturne

A young human woman is found ritualistically murdered in a downtown Necropolis hotel. It is up to Caine Valorian, a 200-year-old vampire, and his Otherworld Crime Unit to solve the unusual crime, and quickly before the human press can jump onto the story and cause a panic. To add to their already tough case, a new member, Eve Grant, transfers to their lab at the request of the mayor. Not only is she green and eager to impress the boss, but she's human. The first human ever to work in an Otherworld unit. The mayor thought it would be great press especially now with the strange human murder.

Caine has his work cut out for him, especially with his unruly team who don't appreciate any help from a human. Not only is this the toughest case of his career, but he's unusually attracted to the new girl, which can only cause trouble for them all. However, as they sink deeper and deeper into the workings of the case, Caine and Eve become closer and closer. So close that neither of them can see past each other and at the real happenings behind the scenes. The more they poke and prod at the case, the more they realize that something is going on, that this murder is only one step toward a greater purpose. Someone in the Otherworld community is calling on dark forces, in a plot to wipe out the entire human population.

Cover:

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0373617585.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V48704448_.jpg

Excerpt:
http://www.valorianchronicles.com/bloodsecrets_nonflash.php#excerpt

ABOUT VIVI ANNA

A bad girl at heart, Vivi Anna likes to burn up the pages with her original unique brand of fantasy fiction. Whether it's in ancient Egypt, or in an apocalyptic future, Vivi always writes fast paced action-adventure with strong independent women that can kick some butt, and dark delicious heroes to kill for.

Once shot at while repossessing a car, Vivi decided that maybe her life needed a change. The first time she picked up a pen and put words to paper, she knew she had found her heart. Within two paragraphs, she realized she could write about getting into all sorts of trouble without suffering the consequences.

When Vivi isn't writing, you can find her causing a ruckus at downtown bistros, flea markets, or playgrounds.


REVIEWS

If you like CSI, you'll love this smart, sexy and suspenseful trip through Necropolis where the villains are vamps, werewolves and witches--and so are the good guys. Strong, sexy Caine Valorian is a vampire to die for. He's also the head of the crime unit that cracks the supernatural cases no human is brave enough to tackle. Except beautiful but businesslike Eve Grant. Sparks fly - in and out of bed - when Caine and Eve pool their talents to fight unspeakable evil. – USA Today best selling author, Rebecca York

A new series begins on a strong note with compelling characters that draw you into their world, showing it to you in a way that explains without bogging down the narrative. This is a solid mystery that is enhanced by the romantic and paranormal elements. I look forward to seeing more from this author – Eternal Night Review

Website http://www.valorianchronicles.com
http://www.vivianna.net

MOON AWAKENING by Lucy Monroe

Werewolves in the Scottish highlands! Cool!


MOON AWAKENING by Lucy Monroe
Berkley Sensation February 2007

An enthralling new romantic tale that pushes the boundaries between love and hate, passion and pain-and man and beast...

When Emily Hamilton's family is ordered to send a woman to the Scottish highlands for marriage to the laird of the Sinclair, Emily volunteers in order to save her younger sister from such a fate. But at her new home, the only friend she finds is the laird's sister-especially after Emily's stubborn streak causes the laird to cancel the marriage. And though her plans have gone awry, she refuses to return home...

Lachlan Balmoral is laird of his clan-and leader of his pack. One of the most feared werewolves prowling the Highlands, he is on the march against the hated Sinclair, who have abducted a Balmoral woman. He kidnaps the sister of the Sinclair laird, planning to marry her off in revenge-but the woman he takes along with her proves to be the greater prize...

For Emily feeds a desire he has never known existed. And though Lachlan would not think of touching his enemy's betrothed, he must know how a mere woman could tame his heart so easily...

Cover:
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0425214265.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V40879991_.jpg

Excerpt:
http://www.lucymonroecotm.com/excerpt_ma.htm

ABOUT LUCY MONROE

Award winning author Lucy Monroe sold her first book in September of 2002. Since then she has sold more than 30 books to three publishers and hit national bestsellers lists in the US and England. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten. Whether it's a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy single title for Kensington or a steamy historical or paranormal for Berkley, Lucy's books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all.


REVIEWS

Website http://www.lucymonroecotm.com
http://www.lucymonroe.com

ISLAND HEAT by Susan Kearney

I loved the book trailer for Island Heat. The trailer really whetted my appetite. And the book is definitely on my "to read" list.


ISLAND HEAT by Susan Kearney
Tor Romance February 6, 2007

He dominated with an otherworldly seductive power . . .

What was happening to her? Former screen siren Shara Weston lived on an exotic and private South Pacific island as a recluse . . . until disturbingly masculine and utterly captivating Cade Archer fell out of the sky and into her life. Now, Cade gives her no choice but to follow him down a sensual path that fulfills her every desire.

Cade's on a mission to open a portal between Shara's island volcano and his world. But not everyone wants him to succeed. A powerful enemy has followed Cade to prevent him from sending the resources through the portal that will free his people.

While Cade's mission is as compelling as his dominating sensuality, Shara must find a way to fight him . . . to stop his mission because the fate of every man, woman and child on Earth is at stake.

Cover:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/076535666X.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V46350350_.jpg

Excerpt:

http://www.susankearney.com/island_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 for Tor, sensuous romance for Harlequin Blaze and romantic suspense for Harlequin Signature. She can 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

Website http://www.susankearney.com

Book Trailer Shoot in Phoenix

I’m back from an exciting trip to Phoenix where I watched director Joe Gruberman from Circle of Seven and his crew shoot a book trailer for my March Berkley release, NEW MOON.

The whole book trailer experience has been wild. Often when I get the cover of my book, the people look nothing like my hero and heroine. But for the trailer, I got to look at Web sites of various actors and pick the ones I wanted. I selected a husband and wife team, Jimmy and Kalin, and they’re perfect for my characters. My hero is Logan Marshall, one of my guys from the Marshall werewolf clan. And my heroine is Rinna, a woman from an alternate universe. I introduced readers to her in SHADOW OF THE MOON, when she helped the Marshall werewolves and their lifemates defeat a mind vampire from another universe. Now she and Logan have their own story.

Rinna’s hiding out from a powerful man who wants to enslave her mind and body. She meets Logan when he steps into a trap for shapeshifters–a trap that’s meant for her. Logan’s astonished to meet a female shapeshifter, since the only ones he knows are the men from his family.

We shot about sixteen scenes from the book, and I don’t know how many of them will end up in the finished product. Book trailers have a couple of versions. One will be 30 seconds. That will go to sites around the Web and be shown in bookstores. The longer version will be on my site.

It was really cool watching the scenes in my book come alive with actors who looked so much like my hero and heroine. Of course we couldn’t use all the locations from the book, since they include a cave and an underground river. So those will be done with "green screen" techniques, where the background is added later. Another scene I’m waiting to see is where my heroine uses psychic energy to blow up a convenience store.

There were other restrictions, as well. We couldn’t use a ton of actors, so most of the scenes are between the hero and heroine. But we did use a few other people who volunteered–or were roped into helping out.

The director is also going to use morphing techniques. Because my h/h are both werewolves, he’ll be turning the actors into wolves. Or rather, turning the wolves into people. This should be interesting, since, of course, when you change from wolf to man or woman, you’re naked. We had a closed set for that part of the shoot, so I didn’t get to see how they did it. Naturally, the actors weren’t entirely naked. And the camera angles are designed to hide any of the sensitive bits.

Now I’m waiting for the editing to be done and anxious to see how it all comes out.

Here are some pictures we took at the shoot.



Kalin, Jimmy, and Me


The crew at lunch


Jimmy and Kalin getting ready
to morph from person to wolf


Jimmy and Kalin in cave scene


Bill as Falcone


Love scene in chair

NIGHT RISING by Chris Marie Green

Say--this sounds like my kind of story--mystery and suspense mixed with the paranormal.
NIGHT RISING by Chris Marie Green
Ace, February 6, 2007
0-441-01467-4

Welcome to Hollywood—after dark…

Stuntwoman Dawn Madison is a girl with attitude—and a lot of issues, mostly about living up to the legacy of her mother, a world famous movie star whose untimely death left Dawn to be raised by her dad Frank, nobody’s notion of single-father-of-the-year. Now that she’s grown up, she and Frank aren’t on the best of terms, to say the least.

Still, he is her dad, and when he vanishes while investigating the bizarre sighting—caught on film—of a supposedly long-dead child star, she comes home to Tinseltown to join the search for him. Working with his colleagues—a psychic short in stature but big in dreams, a beautiful Latina techno-geek, and the P. I. firm’s never-seen boss—she discovers an erotic and bloody underground society made up of creatures she thought existed only on screen.

They are devious. They are deadly. And some of them are dangerously attractive…



Book teaser link:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/395573/night_rising_vampire_babylon_book...

Cover:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0441014674.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V36092462_.jpg

Excerpt:

http://www.vampirebabylon.com/books_night_rising_excerpt.htm

ABOUT CHRIS MARIE GREEN

Chris Marie Green also writes as Crystal Green for Silhouette Bombshell and Special Edition, plus Harlequin Blaze. Her first vampire book, THE HUNTRESS, allowed her to indulge in her love of horror movies and novels. NIGHT RISING is book one of the Vampire Babylon trilogy.


REVIEWS

Night Rising – Vampire Babylon is the first book in a new trilogy set in the exciting world of paranormal Hollywood…. Described as a noir-mystery-fantasy series, it is dark, erotic and compelling reading – Amanda at Lovevampires.Com

Green's storytelling prowess is hitting on all cylinders in Night Rising: a brilliantly developed plotline; compelling, realistically drawn characters; and enough ghoulish antagonists, horrific murders and erotic encounters to satisfy fans of all genres. Regardless of categorization, Green's latest is pure, unadulterated storytelling gold. Highly recommended. -Paul Goat Allen, Barnes and Noble

Chris Marie Green does a wonderful job of bringing this gritty, dark novel to life…. If this is the first installment of the VAMPIRE BABYLON series, I can’t wait to see where [the author] takes the rest of the books. – The Best Reviews


Website http://www.vampirebabylon.com
http://www.crystal-green.com
http://www.myspace.com/vampirebabylon

PROTECTOR OF THE FLIGHT by Robin D. Owens

This looks like another great read from Robin D. Owens.


PROTECTOR OF THE FLIGHT by Robin D. Owens
Luna February 1, 2007

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY:

Fans of Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey will appreciate the novel's honorable protagonists and their lively animal companions.

The Story:

If horses could fly...

Then Calli Torcher might ride again. But a devastating accident left her in such pain, she thought the chimes and chanting in her ears were a hallucination...until she found herself transported to another world, and met the Lladranans who had Summoned her.

Lladrana was a parallel, magical earth filled with exotic creatures, noble humans and magic– all threatened by an encroaching evil.

And when the might volarans stopped obeying the Chevaliers, the flying horses' unexpected rebellion had thrown Lladrana into an uproar. In desperation, the sorcerers had sought help from afar - and gotten Calli. If she could fulfill this mission perhaps she would also finally find all she had longed for – a mate, a home, a family. But against this great darkness she had no battle experience, no strategy plans. She had only a bond with horses...

Cover:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0373802641.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V47698873_.jpg

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

ABOUT ROBIN D. OWENS

Robin D. Owens has been writing longer than she cares to recall. Her fantasy/futuristic romances finally found a home at Berkley with the issuance of HeartMate in December 2001. She credits the telepathic cat with attitude in selling that book. Since then, Heart Thief was a launch book for Berkley Sensation in June 2003, Heart Duel was published in 2004, Heart Choice in 2005, and Heart Quest in 2006. Her Luna Books series includes shape-shifting fairies and average American women Summoned into another world to fight monstrous evil.

REVIEWS

ROMANTIC TIMES:

Owens has an easy and engaging writing style which, when combined with her intriguing characters and interesting setting, makes for a fast and compelling read.

HUNTRESS REVIEWS:

This is among the most joyful series of novels in any genre...when the ending page arrives, YOU feel the Snap, pulling you reluctantly back to the real world. Ms. Owens has mastered characterization, interweaving the lives of previous main characters with those of the new expertly, so you meet new friends and catch up on the old. – Amanda Killgore, Huntress Reviews


Website: http://www.robindowens.com

Ozzie the Media Cat

Thursday I did something cool and fun. A new website called www.romancenovels.tv is launching on February 14. They came to my house to do an interview with me.

But Ozzie, one of my cats, decided that they’d come to do an interview with HER. She was a pregnant rescued cat who was fostered by a woman who called her Princess Ozma. I adopted her and one of her kittens and wanted names to go with Princess Ozma. The best idea I could come up with was Ozzie and Harriet (whom I call Harry). Harry’s the quintessential scaredy cat who hides when the doorbell rings.

Ozzie loves people, and she wants to be right there in your face. So while the crew was trying to interview me, she was clawing at my leg and pawing at their equipment. Then she showed off for them by frantically chasing a flashlight beam on the rug. (I hope that footage makes it into the interview.) And finally, when she couldn’t get their attention any other way, she threw up in the front hall. Since I was about to be on camera, my husband had to clean up the mess. Lucky for me. Usually I’m the one who has to deal with the messes.

I’m really excited about romancenovels.tv. Thursday, they did Mary Jo Putney in the morning. Then came to my house in the afternoon. I did one segment in the kitchen, where I demonstrated a Chili Con Queso recipe that I’d designed exclusively for them. We also did some shooting outside, with my husband and me walking down to the stream valley that’s near our house.

SURVIVING DEMON ISLAND, by Jaci Burton

This sounds like a fun and sexy romp!


She's all curves and combat boots.
He's six feet of lean, dangerous male.
Join them in a game of survival.
That's as real - and hot - as it gets.
What's America's top female action star doing on a tropical island shrouded in secrecy? To Gina Bliss, competing in a survival-type reality show is a nice change from fending off on-screen villains. Until she meets real-life action hero Derek Marks. A survival specialist in a tight black T and sexy stubble, he's arousing every bad-boy fantasy she's ever had...and testing her survival skills to the max.
Martial arts, jungle warfare - Derek's done it all. But his latest mission is more dangerous than a stick of dynamite. Try telling that to the sexy, adrenaline-pumped actress who's got his libido racing off the charts. As the heat rises between them and real-life violence erupts, suddenly Derek and Gina are on the run...and when they uncover a secret so explosive it could blow the lid of their so-called reality show, these two unlikely heroes are about to discover what surviving's really about....


Excerpt:
http://www.jaciburton.com/survivingdemonisland.html

Cover:
http://www.jaciburton.com/suvivingdemonisland_200.jpg


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. Jaci loves to write about passionate relationships with sometimes stormy outcomes but always a happily ever after. She’s a sucker for romance and a happy ending!


REVIEWS
Burton has an uncanny aptitude for intertwining the human and the paranormal so seamlessly that sudden demon attacks and labyrinthine underworlds are perfectly believable. Realistic dialogue, spicy bedroom scenes and a spitfire heroine make this one to pick up and savor. – Publishers Weekly

Big applause goes to Burton for succeeding in setting up a rousing & timely premise that is a real roller coaster ride. Not only does this book set the stage for further exciting adventures, it also delivers a great group of characters that have plenty of room for growth. Burton doesn’t skimp on the sizzling sex or romance either; this book has it all! Brava! 4 ½ Stars – Romantic Times BookClub

Fantastic reading is in store for paranormal fans with Jaci Burton’s new series about fighting demons. It’s a great good vs. evil story that will leave you breathless at times with the chills and thrills, and ready to take a cold shower at others as two of the neatest hero’s and heroine’s pull out all the stops as they get beneath the sheets, and behind their weapons. – Reader to Reader Reviews

Website: http://www.jaciburton.com

Why do I write?

I’ve just finished a “guy book” that upset me a lot. I won’t tell you the name of the book, but it was about a woman lawyer whose husband was accused of murder. She loved him and defended him at his trial. During the story, I got to know and like the heroine. Several times, she questioned whether her husband was really innocent. But she always regained her faith in him. After she won an acquittal, the author had the brilliant idea of having her find out that the guy was really guilty. Not just guilty, but a psychopath. When she confronted him, he tried to kill her. And she ended up shooting him in self-defense.

Sigh.

I’d gone through a deeply emotional experience with the heroine. I rooted for her to win the court case–in the face of a hostile judge and a lot of dirty tricks from the prosecution. She beat them, but at the end of the book, her life was destroyed. Why? I guess because the author thought it was a neat twist.

There is no way in hell I’d ever write a story like that. I put my hero and heroine through terrible trials. I test their resolve and their character and their love for each other. But I end the story with them happy together. Because that’s what I want to read. And write. There’s enough bad stuff going on in the world without inventing more.

But I think that’s not the only reason. When I write, I AM my characters. I’m totally involved with the good guys. I get to be THEM while I’m working on the story. So I write the ending that I’d want to have for me.

So is that other author a pragmatist–writing what he thinks the market wants? And I’m sucked into my own fantasy? Interesting question. And I don’t know the answer.

Rebecca

VENUS ENVY, by Shannon McKelden

Here's a book with a really cute title. I wish I'd thought of it. And it looks like a fun story, too!


VENUS ENVY by Shannon McKelden
(TOR Books, December 26, 2006)

Take one hunky firefighter, one stubborn "Cinderella," and one very reluctant fairy godmother and what do you get?

Rachel Greer wants no part of Venus's scheme to land Mr. March as her Prince Charming, but Venus is determined to do just that. She's only a few love-life fixes short of returning to her former goddess status, and she's not letting one mulish mortal stand in her way.

It appears the only way Rachel can get rid of the very un-Disney-like fairy godmother is to play along. So she follows Venus's plan to interview Luke Stanton's ex-girlfriends...which Venus believes will cure Rachel's relationship fears, but which Rachel knows will only prove her point that men are never what they appear to be.

But, when Venus's plan appears to work, and Rachel and Luke fall in love, does Rachel dare set aside her fears about happily ever? Or will betrayal send her back into relationship seclusion...this time forever?

And what happens when a goddess-turned-fairy godmother breaks the most important rule--protecting herself from human emotions?

Excerpt:

http://www.shannonmckelden.com/venus1.htm

Cover:

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0765315858.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V62234549_.jpg


ABOUT SHANNON McKELDEN
Shannon McKelden has wanted to be a writer since she earned a coveted ‘A+++’ from her 9th grade English teacher. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her high school sweetheart, two kids, two cats, a dog and a crow.


REVIEWS
Witty, funny, and truly original, McKelden’s romance is a standout. -- Booklist

Sexy, clever and fun, Venus Envy is absolutely delightful from beginning to end. Author Shannon McKelden has talent to spare. –Jane Porter, author of The Frog Prince

Debut author McKelden is undeniably talented, milking a fun plot for all it's worth. 3 Stars. – Romantic Times


Website: http://www.shannonmckelden.com