Applause, applause for the wonderful party sponsered by The Romance Studio. You rock!!
Carol Ann Erhardt
Visit My Website
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Congratulations to All The Winners and Nominees
What an exciting day! I'm so sorry that I had to miss all the excitement. The blog was so busy that it was impossible to get on tonight after my meeting. I'm thrilled to have been a nominee, and I'm so excited for all the winners.
Applause, applause for the wonderful party sponsered by The Romance Studio. You rock!!
Carol Ann Erhardt
Visit My Website
Applause, applause for the wonderful party sponsered by The Romance Studio. You rock!!
Carol Ann Erhardt
Visit My Website
Winners of Jayne Rylon giveaway!
Thank you to everyone who posted on my prize thread. Winners please contact me via email at contact@jaynerylon.com to claim your prize.
Magnet featuring cover art from Nice and Naughty:
Krystal32
Shannon Bolger
Janet H
ians_lady
eBook copy of Nice and Naughty: Robynl
Thank you again to TRS for the nomination and congrats to all the winners.
This concludes this year's CAPA Awards
Thanks everyone for making this year so wonderful! Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees! Thanks for everyone who came out. Thanks for all of your support!
Now I'm off to post our winners to the site and send out a special issue of Studio Notes! I'd like to invite the winners and nominees to keep posting. Thank you!
Tina
Now I'm off to post our winners to the site and send out a special issue of Studio Notes! I'd like to invite the winners and nominees to keep posting. Thank you!
Tina
LAST ONE - The Nominees in the Ari Cover Art category are...
Victory Stallion by Kate Hill (Syneca)
Breathing Her Air by Lacey Thorn (Les Byerley)
Touch of Fire by Maria Zannini (Anne Cain)
The Mermaid's Kiss (Berkley Publishing)
Nice and Naughty by Jane Rylon (Scott Carpenter)
Into the Lair by Maya Banks (Anne Cain)
A lady in Waiting by Samantha Kane (Syneca)
Carnal Harvest by Robin L. Rotham (Les Byerley)
A Single Rose by Marissa de A'mor (DJ Alling)
Skin Tight by Adrianna Dane (Trace Edward Zaber)
Pick the winners - the winner of the $100 Amazon Gift Certificate is...
Cheryl McGinnis!
I'll be sending that to you in just a moment, Cheryl. Thank you!
Tina
I'll be sending that to you in just a moment, Cheryl. Thank you!
Tina
Deilv on Horseback: Jake - CAPA Winner Excerpt
First, let me say thank you to Tina, Holly, Katie and all the amazing folks at TRS for the CAPA! I'm amazed Jake has won since the first book in the series, Nate, won a CAPA last year. Amazing and humbling!Without further ado, here is an excerpt from Jake.
Devils on Horseback: Jake
Haunted by war, a thief finds salvation in the arms of an angel.
On the surface, Jake Sheridan is an easygoing man whose problems roll off him like water off a duck’s back. Truth is, Jake holds so many past demons inside him, he daren’t let them out for fear he’ll never get them all back in.
He and the Devils are hired to help rebuild a town ransacked by marauders. Everywhere they turn, they encounter secrets—enough secrets to turn the town to dust if they don’t uncover the truth.
Only one person in town isn’t glad to see them: Gabrielle Rinaldi, the miller’s daughter. A strong and independent woman who is used to being disrespected for speaking her mind, she makes no secret that she doesn’t believe hired guns are the answer to the town’s woes. Yet she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic and charming Jake.
In spite of himself, Jake falls hard and fast for Gabby. But she’s wary of handing her heart to a man who lives by his guns.
When tragedy strikes, Jake and Gabby must fight to find a way to save the town—and their hearts.
Excerpt:
“May I speak to you outside for a moment?” She forced a smile at Gideon and Lee. “I need to talk to Jake about the woman he helped earlier. You two can go in and see Zeke.”
After his friends left, Jake stared at her until she took his arms and led him outside. Although he was a tall man, it was like moving a small boy—there was no resistance at all. When they stepped out into the shadows of the night, she let him go and walked a few paces away.
“I don’t know what happened tonight after we brought Margaret here. I know men who have come back from war who can’t sleep at night or even live a proper life.” She hugged herself. “I can’t even imagine what you went through before you came here, and I wanted you to know none of it matters to me.”
Gabby whirled to face him, his light complexion visible in the moonlight. This was the moment of truth for her, the moment she either turned her back or jumped forward into a future full of uncertainty and unknown challenges. Life was too short not to take a chance.
“I can’t seem to think when I’m around you,” she confessed. “You are always in my head.”
Jake’s mouth dropped open. “I didn’t do anything to you. You stepped into my life, Gabby. All I can do is hang on and hope I survive being obsessed with you.”
Gabby’s heart stuttered. “Obsessed with me?” She’d made the right choice, she was certain of that.
“Well, um, not obsessed. What I meant to say was that you were on my mind a bit, okay more than that. Oh hell, I don’t know what I’m saying.” Jake grabbed hold of her arms and pulled her to him. The hard wall of his chest was warm, almost hot, against her already heated body. Her nipples stood at attention, throbbing for more, to feel skin on skin. She looked up into his blue eyes and saw the same confusion and frustration she felt, as well as desire.
Gabby knew she and Jake would be together as a man and woman should be, naked and full of the sweet passion that drove them. She could almost picture them on her bed—on the white sheets his red hair would stand out like a beacon in the night or day. He was a beautiful man, muscular, tall and with a smile that could melt paint off a wall.
All her thoughts whirled around in her head while his mouth descended on hers.
Ah, God, help me.
Gabby hung on for dear life as he kissed her. At first it was a demanding kiss, full of thunder, almost bruising, but she returned it full force. Like two animals mating in the wild, they grappled and pulled at each other, moans of pure lust bursting from their throats. Then as he began to gentle his lips, Gabby rode along with him, savoring the journey from fierce passion to sensual heat. He opened his mouth, drawing her tongue into the deep caverns of all that was Jake. It was like a sweet dance between them without moving their feet.
Gabby nearly drowned in the sensation, so poignant and perfect. His arms encircled her while her arms wound around his neck until Jake couldn’t be much closer without his body entering hers. The very thought of Jake being inside her made her knees turn to jelly from the sheer lightning that snapped through her.
***
The Nominees in the Psyche category are...
Devil's Playground by Arianna Hart (Samhain Publishing)
For The Love Of Jazz by Shiloh Walker (Samhain Publishing)
The Royal Chronicles 2: Prince of Seduction by Donna Grant (New Concepts Publishing)
A View to a Kill by Mandy M. Roth (Samhain Publishing)
A Man Mom Would Love by Susan Lyons (The Wild Rose Press)
Tween Heaven and Hell by Sam Cheever (Cerridwen Press)
Bay Leaves and Bundles by Sarita Leone (The Wild Rose Press)
Adrien English Mysteries by Josh Lanyon (Loose Id)
Beau and the Lady Beast by Morgan Ashbury (Siren Publishing)
A Knight in Halcyon by Diana Bold (Cobblestone Press)
Unveiled by Jamie Craig (Amber Quill Press)
Secret Thoughts: Erotique (Samhain Publishing)
Priceless Princesss by Christina Carlisle (New Concepts Publishing)
Passions Four Towers by Dee Brice (Ellora's Cave)
Liquid Hypnosis by Tina LaVon (Liquid Silver Books)
Dragon in the System by Cindy Spencer Pape (Cerridwen Press)
Measure of a Man by Bonnie Dee (Liquid Silver Books)
Miles from You by Marianne Arkins (The Wild Rose Press)
Mosaic Moon by Jamie Craig (Amber Quill Press)
Under Covers by Leigh Ellwood (Phaze)
Bride from the Black Lagoon by Dara Edmondson (The Wild Rose Press)
A Certain Way by Renee Blaine (Phaze)
An Honoured Wife by Viola Grace (Extasy Books)
Erotic Shivers, Vol. I, An Anthology of Erotic Stories by Justus Roux (erotictales Publications)
Round Table Magician Ann Tracy Marr (Awe-Struck Ebooks)
A Duke to Die For by Amelia Grey (Sourcebooks)
Zen and the Art of Vampires Katie MacAlister (Berkley)
Devils on Horseback: Zeke by Beth Williamson (Samhain Publishing)
A Chance to Dream by Lynne Connolly (Samhain Publishing)
Zombie Jack by Samantha Winston (Loose Id)
Wings of Love by Dayna Hart (Forbidden Publications)
Super Hero by Diane Merlin (Red Rose Publishing)
Elementum by Toni Meilleur (extasy Books)
Deadly Desires by April Reid (Amber Quill Press)
Pursuit of Pleasure by Beverly Havlir (Ellora's Cave)
Abandon by Viola Grace (Extasy Books)
Hunter's Mate by Bernadett Gardner (New Concepts Publishing)
Men of The Void: Birthday Surprise by Nia K.Foxx (Changeling Press)
Graceful Submission by Melinda Barron (loose id)
The Broken Path by Cami Checketts (The Wild Rose Press)
Yellow Ribbons by Nancy Quatrano (The Wild Rose Press)
MiLady's School for Girls by Lady Midnight (love you divine)
Caught in the Devil's Hand by Ruby Duvall (Ellora's Cave)
Cheer Givers and Mischief Makers by K.Z. Snow (Ellora's Cave)
Egyptian Days by Jennifer Mueller (Linden Bay Romance)
Chains of Passion: Slave to Lust by Mikala Ash (Changeling Press)
Elven Encounter by Willa Okati (Changeling Press)
The Awakening by Nikkolars Cruz (Torquere Press)
First Sight to Last by Sharon Horton (The Wild Rose Press)
Found by Jenna Bayley-Burke (The Wild Rose Press)
Shadows Across the Moon by S. F. English (New Concepts Publishing)
Crimson Hours by Susan Phelan (Cerridwen Press)
Good luck! Only one more to go!
Tina
For The Love Of Jazz by Shiloh Walker (Samhain Publishing)
The Royal Chronicles 2: Prince of Seduction by Donna Grant (New Concepts Publishing)
A View to a Kill by Mandy M. Roth (Samhain Publishing)
A Man Mom Would Love by Susan Lyons (The Wild Rose Press)
Tween Heaven and Hell by Sam Cheever (Cerridwen Press)
Bay Leaves and Bundles by Sarita Leone (The Wild Rose Press)
Adrien English Mysteries by Josh Lanyon (Loose Id)
Beau and the Lady Beast by Morgan Ashbury (Siren Publishing)
A Knight in Halcyon by Diana Bold (Cobblestone Press)
Unveiled by Jamie Craig (Amber Quill Press)
Secret Thoughts: Erotique (Samhain Publishing)
Priceless Princesss by Christina Carlisle (New Concepts Publishing)
Passions Four Towers by Dee Brice (Ellora's Cave)
Liquid Hypnosis by Tina LaVon (Liquid Silver Books)
Dragon in the System by Cindy Spencer Pape (Cerridwen Press)
Measure of a Man by Bonnie Dee (Liquid Silver Books)
Miles from You by Marianne Arkins (The Wild Rose Press)
Mosaic Moon by Jamie Craig (Amber Quill Press)
Under Covers by Leigh Ellwood (Phaze)
Bride from the Black Lagoon by Dara Edmondson (The Wild Rose Press)
A Certain Way by Renee Blaine (Phaze)
An Honoured Wife by Viola Grace (Extasy Books)
Erotic Shivers, Vol. I, An Anthology of Erotic Stories by Justus Roux (erotictales Publications)
Round Table Magician Ann Tracy Marr (Awe-Struck Ebooks)
A Duke to Die For by Amelia Grey (Sourcebooks)
Zen and the Art of Vampires Katie MacAlister (Berkley)
Devils on Horseback: Zeke by Beth Williamson (Samhain Publishing)
A Chance to Dream by Lynne Connolly (Samhain Publishing)
Zombie Jack by Samantha Winston (Loose Id)
Wings of Love by Dayna Hart (Forbidden Publications)
Super Hero by Diane Merlin (Red Rose Publishing)
Elementum by Toni Meilleur (extasy Books)
Deadly Desires by April Reid (Amber Quill Press)
Pursuit of Pleasure by Beverly Havlir (Ellora's Cave)
Abandon by Viola Grace (Extasy Books)
Hunter's Mate by Bernadett Gardner (New Concepts Publishing)
Men of The Void: Birthday Surprise by Nia K.Foxx (Changeling Press)
Graceful Submission by Melinda Barron (loose id)
The Broken Path by Cami Checketts (The Wild Rose Press)
Yellow Ribbons by Nancy Quatrano (The Wild Rose Press)
MiLady's School for Girls by Lady Midnight (love you divine)
Caught in the Devil's Hand by Ruby Duvall (Ellora's Cave)
Cheer Givers and Mischief Makers by K.Z. Snow (Ellora's Cave)
Egyptian Days by Jennifer Mueller (Linden Bay Romance)
Chains of Passion: Slave to Lust by Mikala Ash (Changeling Press)
Elven Encounter by Willa Okati (Changeling Press)
The Awakening by Nikkolars Cruz (Torquere Press)
First Sight to Last by Sharon Horton (The Wild Rose Press)
Found by Jenna Bayley-Burke (The Wild Rose Press)
Shadows Across the Moon by S. F. English (New Concepts Publishing)
Crimson Hours by Susan Phelan (Cerridwen Press)
Good luck! Only one more to go!
Tina
The Nominees in the Favorite erotic author category are...
Lexie Davis
Mandy M. Roth
Lauren Dane
Donna Grant
Rowan McBride
Ciana Stone
Josh Lanyon
Tianna Xander
G.A. Hauser
Trixie Stilletto
Beth Williamson
Lynne Connolly
Lora Leigh
Mya
Cameron Dane
Maya Banks
Jennifer Cole
Melinda Barron
Samantha Kane
Ann Jacobs
Sierra Dafoe
Good luck!
Tina
Mandy M. Roth
Lauren Dane
Donna Grant
Rowan McBride
Ciana Stone
Josh Lanyon
Tianna Xander
G.A. Hauser
Trixie Stilletto
Beth Williamson
Lynne Connolly
Lora Leigh
Mya
Cameron Dane
Maya Banks
Jennifer Cole
Melinda Barron
Samantha Kane
Ann Jacobs
Sierra Dafoe
Good luck!
Tina
The winner in the Erotic anthology category is...
Congratulations to Jaci, Jasmine, Joey, and Denise!
The Nominees in the Erotic romance anthology are....
Escape by Changeling Authors (Changeling Press)
Naughty Nine by Anastasia Rabiyah (love you divine)
Babes in Toyland II (Aspen Mountain Press)
Private Places (Berkley)
Paranormal Mates Society, Vol. III (Changeling Press)
Unlaced (Berkley)
Samhain Scorchers (Whiskey Creek Press)
Good luck!
Tina
Naughty Nine by Anastasia Rabiyah (love you divine)
Babes in Toyland II (Aspen Mountain Press)
Private Places (Berkley)
Paranormal Mates Society, Vol. III (Changeling Press)
Unlaced (Berkley)
Samhain Scorchers (Whiskey Creek Press)
Good luck!
Tina
Will the following users please stand up.... LAST ONES
Pam P
Eva
Sabrina
Tina (not me LOL)
Marth E
Dee D
Lisa F
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim the last of those books. Thank you so much!
Tina
Eva
Sabrina
Tina (not me LOL)
Marth E
Dee D
Lisa F
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim the last of those books. Thank you so much!
Tina
The Nominees in the BDSM category are...
Heart of the West 3: Lassoed by Ann Jacobs (Ellora's Cave)
Sub For Hire by Claire Thompson (Ellora's Cave)
Ride Em' by Tilly Greene (Ellora's Cave)
Sex Scene: Take One by Lee Avalone (Amber Quill Press)
Incognito: Conquering Connie by Madison Layle and Anna Leigh Keaton (Cobblestone Press)
Entwined Fates: Mercenary by Trista Ann Michaels (Loose Id)
Stripped by Ruth D. Kerce (Ellora's Cave)
Teaching Molly by Desiree Holt (Ellora's Cave)
Loving Control, Club Rio Brava 1 by Ann Jacobs (Ellora's Cave)
Switching Control by Ann Jacobs (Ellora's Cave)
Eight Seconds by Barrie Abalard (Amber Quill Press)
Good luck!
Tina
Sub For Hire by Claire Thompson (Ellora's Cave)
Ride Em' by Tilly Greene (Ellora's Cave)
Sex Scene: Take One by Lee Avalone (Amber Quill Press)
Incognito: Conquering Connie by Madison Layle and Anna Leigh Keaton (Cobblestone Press)
Entwined Fates: Mercenary by Trista Ann Michaels (Loose Id)
Stripped by Ruth D. Kerce (Ellora's Cave)
Teaching Molly by Desiree Holt (Ellora's Cave)
Loving Control, Club Rio Brava 1 by Ann Jacobs (Ellora's Cave)
Switching Control by Ann Jacobs (Ellora's Cave)
Eight Seconds by Barrie Abalard (Amber Quill Press)
Good luck!
Tina
Will the following user please stand up....
lillie_80
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
The Nominees in the Paranormal erotic romance category are...
Dancing On The Wind by Charlotte Boyett-Compo (Ellora's Cave)
Warrior of the Light by B.J. McCall (Ellora's Cave)
Seducing a God by Taige crenshaw (Ellora's Cave)
Island Song by Alan Chin (Zumaya)
Beyond the Reef by AJ Llewellyn (Extasy Books)
Luke and Jezebel by Ravyn Wilde (Ellora's Cave)
Shaking Off the Dust by Rhianna Samuels (Samhain Publishing)
I Will Remember by Sahara Kelly (Ellora's Cave)
A Taste For Jazz by Ciana Stone (Ellora's Cave)
Golden Eyes by Maya Banks (Loose Id)
Entwined Fates: Remember Me by Trista Ann Michaels (Loose Id)
Turbulent Sea by Christine Feehan (Berkley)
Guilty Needs by Shiloh Walker (Ellora's Cave)
Mercury's War by Lora Leigh (Berkley)
Wolf Unbound by Lauren Dane (Samhain Publishing)
Three For All by Cindy Spence Pape (ellora's Cave)
Lunar Mates 6: Captured Moon by Loribelle Hunt (Cobblestone Press)
Hunter's Edge by Shiloh Walker (Samhain Publishing)
A Fling In Vampiroplis by Selena Illyra (Changeling Press)
Aquamarine Prince by Joanna Wylde (Ellora's Cave)
Erotikos by Shannon Leigh (Amber Quill Press)
Narian Rebirth: Mia's Discovery by Tianna Xander & Bonnie Rose Leigh (Cobblestone Press)
Lord Viper by Ruth D. Kerce (Ellora's Cave)
Lifting the Veil by R.G. Alexander (Ellora's Cave)
Their One and Only by Trista Ann Michaels (Loose Id)
The Bond That Consumes Us Christine d'Abo (Ellora's Cave)
Summoned by Lust by Amanda Sidhe (Ellora's Cave)
Beowulf And Roxie, Marisa Chenery (Liquid Silver Books)
Hawkins Ranch: knowing Caleb by Cameron Dane (Loose id)
Claiming Their Mate by Paige McKellan (Samhain Publishing)
Regina in the Sun by R.G. Alexander (Samhain Publishing)
Amethyst Eyes by Melinda Barron (Loose Id)
Good luck!
Tina
Warrior of the Light by B.J. McCall (Ellora's Cave)
Seducing a God by Taige crenshaw (Ellora's Cave)
Island Song by Alan Chin (Zumaya)
Beyond the Reef by AJ Llewellyn (Extasy Books)
Luke and Jezebel by Ravyn Wilde (Ellora's Cave)
Shaking Off the Dust by Rhianna Samuels (Samhain Publishing)
I Will Remember by Sahara Kelly (Ellora's Cave)
A Taste For Jazz by Ciana Stone (Ellora's Cave)
Golden Eyes by Maya Banks (Loose Id)
Entwined Fates: Remember Me by Trista Ann Michaels (Loose Id)
Turbulent Sea by Christine Feehan (Berkley)
Guilty Needs by Shiloh Walker (Ellora's Cave)
Mercury's War by Lora Leigh (Berkley)
Wolf Unbound by Lauren Dane (Samhain Publishing)
Three For All by Cindy Spence Pape (ellora's Cave)
Lunar Mates 6: Captured Moon by Loribelle Hunt (Cobblestone Press)
Hunter's Edge by Shiloh Walker (Samhain Publishing)
A Fling In Vampiroplis by Selena Illyra (Changeling Press)
Aquamarine Prince by Joanna Wylde (Ellora's Cave)
Erotikos by Shannon Leigh (Amber Quill Press)
Narian Rebirth: Mia's Discovery by Tianna Xander & Bonnie Rose Leigh (Cobblestone Press)
Lord Viper by Ruth D. Kerce (Ellora's Cave)
Lifting the Veil by R.G. Alexander (Ellora's Cave)
Their One and Only by Trista Ann Michaels (Loose Id)
The Bond That Consumes Us Christine d'Abo (Ellora's Cave)
Summoned by Lust by Amanda Sidhe (Ellora's Cave)
Beowulf And Roxie, Marisa Chenery (Liquid Silver Books)
Hawkins Ranch: knowing Caleb by Cameron Dane (Loose id)
Claiming Their Mate by Paige McKellan (Samhain Publishing)
Regina in the Sun by R.G. Alexander (Samhain Publishing)
Amethyst Eyes by Melinda Barron (Loose Id)
Good luck!
Tina
Will the following user please stand up....
Karin,
Please email Holly at Hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
Please email Holly at Hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
The Nominees in the Historical erotic fantasy category are...
A Fall From Grace by Wendy Stone (Phaze)
Fly By Knight - Sahara Kelly (Ellora's Cave)
A Hidden Beauty by Jamie Craig (Samhain Publishing)
Fit to be Tied by Myla Jackson (Ellora's Cave)
Devils on Horseback: Jake by Beth Williamson (Samhain Publishing)
Met by Chance by Lynne Connolly (Samhain Publishing)
High Noon by Rebecca Goings (Samhain Publishing)
Devils on Horseback Jake, Beth Williamson (Samhain Publishing)
Another Chance by Shawn Lane (Ellora's Cave)
A Lady in Waiting by Samantha Kane (Ellora's Cave)
The Countess Takes a Lover by Bonnie Dee (Samhain Publishing)
Winning Bess by Marissa Alwin (Ellora's Cave)
Good luck!
Tina
Fly By Knight - Sahara Kelly (Ellora's Cave)
A Hidden Beauty by Jamie Craig (Samhain Publishing)
Fit to be Tied by Myla Jackson (Ellora's Cave)
Devils on Horseback: Jake by Beth Williamson (Samhain Publishing)
Met by Chance by Lynne Connolly (Samhain Publishing)
High Noon by Rebecca Goings (Samhain Publishing)
Devils on Horseback Jake, Beth Williamson (Samhain Publishing)
Another Chance by Shawn Lane (Ellora's Cave)
A Lady in Waiting by Samantha Kane (Ellora's Cave)
The Countess Takes a Lover by Bonnie Dee (Samhain Publishing)
Winning Bess by Marissa Alwin (Ellora's Cave)
Good luck!
Tina
The Nominees in the Fantasy erotic romance category are...
Breathing Her Air by Lacy Thorn (Ellora's Cave)
Victory Stallion by Kate Hill (Ellora's Cave)
Half Wild by Rhiannon Byrd and Madison Hayes (Ellora's Cave)
The Spawning by Kaitlyn O'connor (New Concepts Publishing)
Last Strathulian Standing by Daisy Dexter Dobbs (Ellora's Cave)
Earth Girls Aren't Easy by Jaide Fox (New Concepts Publishing)
The Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W.Hill (Berkley)
Moondock by Jewel Adams (Steam Heat)
Bewitching the Faerie by Cynthia Rayne (Ellora's Cave)
Law's Deliverance by Melany Logen (Loose Id)
Made for Two Heroes by Madison Hayes (Ellora's Cave)
Tyler's Woman by Jan Springer (Ellora's Cave)
A Forever Kind Of Thing by Sharon (The Wild Rose Press)
A Magical Encounterbby Meagan Hatfield (New Concepts Publishing)
Ava's Obsession by Michelle Marquis (Whiskey Creek Press)
Enchanted Beauty by Marly Mathews (New Concepts publishing)
The Sheeman by Red Garnier (Loose Id)
Treasured by Crystal Jordan (Samhain Publishing)
Good luck!
Tina
Victory Stallion by Kate Hill (Ellora's Cave)
Half Wild by Rhiannon Byrd and Madison Hayes (Ellora's Cave)
The Spawning by Kaitlyn O'connor (New Concepts Publishing)
Last Strathulian Standing by Daisy Dexter Dobbs (Ellora's Cave)
Earth Girls Aren't Easy by Jaide Fox (New Concepts Publishing)
The Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W.Hill (Berkley)
Moondock by Jewel Adams (Steam Heat)
Bewitching the Faerie by Cynthia Rayne (Ellora's Cave)
Law's Deliverance by Melany Logen (Loose Id)
Made for Two Heroes by Madison Hayes (Ellora's Cave)
Tyler's Woman by Jan Springer (Ellora's Cave)
A Forever Kind Of Thing by Sharon (The Wild Rose Press)
A Magical Encounterbby Meagan Hatfield (New Concepts Publishing)
Ava's Obsession by Michelle Marquis (Whiskey Creek Press)
Enchanted Beauty by Marly Mathews (New Concepts publishing)
The Sheeman by Red Garnier (Loose Id)
Treasured by Crystal Jordan (Samhain Publishing)
Good luck!
Tina
Will the following user please stand up....
Laura K
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
PS - I'm playing catch up. I didn't realize how MANY of those Berkley and Kensingtons we had to give away LOL
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
PS - I'm playing catch up. I didn't realize how MANY of those Berkley and Kensingtons we had to give away LOL
Will the following user please stand up....
Jennifer Y
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
Will the following user please stand up....
ians_lady
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com about one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com about one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
Will the following user please stand up....
Jolene
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com to claim one of those books we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
The Nominees in the Contemporary erotic romance category are...
A Legal Affair by N.J. Walters (Samhain Publishing)
Nothing Stays in Vegas by Moira McTark (Samhain Publishing)
Suni's Gift by Anne Rainey (Phaze)
Executive Decision by Mandy M. Roth (New Concepts Publishing)
Stay With Me by Maya Banks (Samhain Publishing)
Double Down by Jamie Craig (Amber Quill Press)
Arsenic and Rio by D J Manly (Extasy Books)
Passion's Victory by K C Kendricks (Amber Quill Press)
Darling Brat by Kate Steele (Loose Id)
Secrets and Misdemeanors by GA Hauser (Linden Bay Romance)
Somebody Special by Johnny Dragona (Extasy Books)
Beautiful Girl by Shiloh Walker (Samhain Publishing)
The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke by NJ Walters (samhain Publishing)
Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks (Berkley)
Tied Up Tied Down by Lorelei James (Samhain Publishing)
Be With Me Maya Banks (Berkley)
Wild, Wild Mother of the Bride by Lacey Savage (Amber Quill Press)
Model Soldier by Cat Johnson (Linden Bay Romance)
Bid For Love by Savannah Chase (Lyrical Press)
My Masked Mistress by Jamie Craig (Amber Quill Press)
Forbidden Fruit by Eden Bradley (Bantam)
The Sweetest Tattoo by Cameron Dane (Liquid Silver Books)
The Boys Back Home by Sierra Dafoe (Samhain Publishing)
A Delicious Taboo by Jennifer Cole (Loose Id)
Necklace of Shame by Carol Lynne (Ellora's Cave)
Never Too Old by Carol Lynne (Ellora's Cave)
I Never, Naughty Games 2 by Lena Matthews (Ellora's Cave)
Nice and Naughty by Jayne Rylon (Samhain Publishing)
Rough Justice by KyAnn Waters (Ellora's Cave)
A Convenient Marriage by Nadia Aidan (Liquid Silver Books)
Dude Ranch Nights by Deirdre O'Dare (Amber Quill Press)
Good luck!
Tina
Nothing Stays in Vegas by Moira McTark (Samhain Publishing)
Suni's Gift by Anne Rainey (Phaze)
Executive Decision by Mandy M. Roth (New Concepts Publishing)
Stay With Me by Maya Banks (Samhain Publishing)
Double Down by Jamie Craig (Amber Quill Press)
Arsenic and Rio by D J Manly (Extasy Books)
Passion's Victory by K C Kendricks (Amber Quill Press)
Darling Brat by Kate Steele (Loose Id)
Secrets and Misdemeanors by GA Hauser (Linden Bay Romance)
Somebody Special by Johnny Dragona (Extasy Books)
Beautiful Girl by Shiloh Walker (Samhain Publishing)
The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke by NJ Walters (samhain Publishing)
Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks (Berkley)
Tied Up Tied Down by Lorelei James (Samhain Publishing)
Be With Me Maya Banks (Berkley)
Wild, Wild Mother of the Bride by Lacey Savage (Amber Quill Press)
Model Soldier by Cat Johnson (Linden Bay Romance)
Bid For Love by Savannah Chase (Lyrical Press)
My Masked Mistress by Jamie Craig (Amber Quill Press)
Forbidden Fruit by Eden Bradley (Bantam)
The Sweetest Tattoo by Cameron Dane (Liquid Silver Books)
The Boys Back Home by Sierra Dafoe (Samhain Publishing)
A Delicious Taboo by Jennifer Cole (Loose Id)
Necklace of Shame by Carol Lynne (Ellora's Cave)
Never Too Old by Carol Lynne (Ellora's Cave)
I Never, Naughty Games 2 by Lena Matthews (Ellora's Cave)
Nice and Naughty by Jayne Rylon (Samhain Publishing)
Rough Justice by KyAnn Waters (Ellora's Cave)
A Convenient Marriage by Nadia Aidan (Liquid Silver Books)
Dude Ranch Nights by Deirdre O'Dare (Amber Quill Press)
Good luck!
Tina
Heart of Stone - 2008 CAPA Nominee
Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 CAPAs. I was honored and thrilled to be considered.Here's what Sandra of The Romance Studio had to say about Heart of Stone:
Sandra Kay has written a great story that draws the reader in from the beginning and keeps them there with her ability to bring her characters to life. She makes this a keeper. The banter and arguments between Amber and Stone are at times so funny. The story is definitely never boring. Stone is such a sweet caring man, but at times I found myself wanting to shake him, to make him see what is right in front of his face. And Amber is such a strong little person who is determined to succeed no matter what. But the secondary characters play such an intricate part of this story, it just wouldn't be the same without each of them to add the layers that brings this family to life. I would recommend this one to anyone who loves a great romance and I hope there will be more to come from this family as they all deserve their happily ever after.
Overall rating: 5 Stars
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual
Reviewer: Sandra
HEART OF STONE is a contemporary romance taking place in the Hill Country of Texas. It is a story of love and betrayal, with elements that will resonate with today’s readers.
Blurb: A marriage in name only. A secret past. Can love be found amid the tangle of distrust and betrayal?Alone and pregnant with twins, Amber Wilson has only a fuzzy memory of how she got that way. One thing she knows for sure—no man will ever get near enough to hurt her again. But when she meets Stone Brandon, the attraction is too great to ignore. Stone’s ex-fiancée’s betrayal has hardened his heart. Though he is drawn to Amber, he knows he can never fall in love again. Still, with her help, the dreams he has for the expansion of his family’s ranch can become a reality. A platonic marriage seems like the logical answer for both of them—until he realizes that a marriage in name only with Amber is a hell of his own making.
Excerpt: Dust billowed behind Amber Wilson’s beat-up Mustang. Gravel pinged against the undercarriage. She refused to let the dismal condition of the Green Monster, as she called her car, get her down today. A new adventure, filled with hope, waited for her at the end of the tree-lined drive.
The open window offered some relief from the sizzling heat of summer in the hill country of Texas. Still, the humidity-laden air lay heavy on her face, clogging pores that struggled to breath and plastering tendrils of curly blonde hair to her moist cheeks.
“Whoa,” she whispered at her first glimpse of the sprawling ranch house. “I didn’t expect anything like this.” Her foot let off on the gas pedal, indecision running rampant through her system.
Even so, the welcome shade of a live oak beckoned. She parked under the spreading branches and turned off the loud grumblings of her car engine. Emitting a groan of her own, she brushed a hand over her rounded belly and hefted her cumbersome body off the ripped seat. The car door grated on its hinges before finally clunking back into place.
“Whew.” The word came out on a sigh when the warm breeze lifted her damp skirt and actually felt cool against her heated skin. The brief spate of relief fled on the coattails of renewed anxiety when she again stared at the house and the surrounding ranch land.
Intimidated, she cranked the side mirror around to check out her reflection. Big mistake. Limp, wet curls stuck to her cheeks and neck. Perspiration left dark patches of smeared mascara under both eyes.“
Lord,” she murmured, licking the tip of her finger and swiping at the smudges. “They’ll think twice about ever hiring someone over the phone again when they open the door and see a short, pregnant raccoon on the porch.” A giggle burst out at the image and she put a hand over her mouth, looking around for listeners.
Amber’s gaze returned to the mirror. She jammed fingers swollen from the heat into her hair, trying to rearrange the shiny mass of tangled ringlets circling her head. Finally deciding the heavy mane tucked behind her ears tamed it best, she turned and climbed the porch steps.
“Well, here we go,” she said on a heavy breath. “ Another new chapter in my life.”
Her fingers hesitated around the plain brass knocker on the door. Whether to delay meeting her new employer or just for a breather, she couldn’t say. Glancing over her shoulder, she gnawed her lips uncertainly at the dented heap of car parked in full view.“
Hmmm. Not a great first impression. Maybe I should move the Green Monster out of sight—"
The door swung open abruptly. With a yelp of surprise, Amber toppled into the house.
Fighting for balance against a center of gravity that was way off kilter with her growing abdomen, she pitched forward. Strong hands caught her under the arms. Her fingers locked on the muscular biceps of the stranger holding her up as she grappled for firm footing.
“What’s this?” a deep, amused voice asked from somewhere above her head.
She cuddled her abdomen with a protective hand, while clinging to the man with the other.Heart pounding, still reeling from the unexpected tumble, she stared up into the most startling blue eyes she’d ever seen. Time ceased to exist as Amber lost her balance again— this time with a sensation of sinking into the depths of those indigo pools.
The Nominees in the Favotire author category are...
Lexie Davis
Mandy M. Roth
Lauren Dane
Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Jean Hart Stewart
T.L. Gray
Lori Armstrong
G.A. Hauser
Shiloh Walker
Maya Banks
Katie MacAlister
Kara Lynn Russell
Christine Feehan
Rebecca Goings
Jackie Ivie
Nora Roberts
Sharona Nelson
Good luck!
Tina
Mandy M. Roth
Lauren Dane
Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Jean Hart Stewart
T.L. Gray
Lori Armstrong
G.A. Hauser
Shiloh Walker
Maya Banks
Katie MacAlister
Kara Lynn Russell
Christine Feehan
Rebecca Goings
Jackie Ivie
Nora Roberts
Sharona Nelson
Good luck!
Tina
The Nominees for Romance anthology are...
Firestorm by the Changelings (Changeling Press)
Mysteria Lane (Berkley)
First Blood (Berkley)
The Power of Love (Berkley)
A Red Hot New Year (Avon)
Good luck!
Tina
Mysteria Lane (Berkley)
First Blood (Berkley)
The Power of Love (Berkley)
A Red Hot New Year (Avon)
Good luck!
Tina
Will the following user please stand up...
kytaira
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com about one of the prizes we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com about one of the prizes we're giving away. Thank you!
Tina
The Nominees for the Inspirational romance category are...
Joshua's Hope by Carol Ann Erhardt (The Wild Rose Press)
Relationship Rescue by Cindy K. Green (The Wild Rose Press)
Mr. Beckman's Secretary by JoAnn Carter (By Grace Publishing)
Baby, Baby Family Heirloom Series Book One-Karen Wiesner (samhain Publishing)
Saving Gracie by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Entertaining Angel by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Considering Lily by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Keeping Faith by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Accepting Charity by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Disrupting Harmony by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Losing Patience by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Good luck!
Tina
Relationship Rescue by Cindy K. Green (The Wild Rose Press)
Mr. Beckman's Secretary by JoAnn Carter (By Grace Publishing)
Baby, Baby Family Heirloom Series Book One-Karen Wiesner (samhain Publishing)
Saving Gracie by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Entertaining Angel by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Considering Lily by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Keeping Faith by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Accepting Charity by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Disrupting Harmony by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Losing Patience by Kara Lynn Russell (The Wild Rose Press)
Good luck!
Tina
CAPA Nominee in Erotic Fantasy ~ A Magical Encounter
Hi Everyone! *waves* I hope you're having a lovely Valentine's Day!! Congrats to all the nominees and big thanks to everyone at TRS for hosting such a wonderful little party here. ~Meagan
***A Magical Encounter
by
Blurb:
Since his wife's murder Elfin warrior, Hanarom Avindaul's, life had been an endless quest for peace, one he felt became less likely of success each day. He'd been fighting for others for so long he'd all but forgotten he had needs of his own-until he rescued the maiden, Kaiya Galbraith.
Kaiya had always known her father, the duke, harbored no love for her. Still, until it happened, she would never have believed him capable of bartering her life away to a stranger in return for coin to pay off his debtors. All hope of finding love appeared lost to her forever...until she was rescued by a being she'd only ever seen in her dreams. When the Elfin warrior, Hanarom Avindaul, plucked her from imminent death into the safe shelter of his arms, though, she discovered she was all too eager to stay.
The Romance Studio Review: http://www.theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/magicalencounterhatfield.htm
EXCERPT:
“I am not hungry.” At the lie, her stomach roared in anger.
His lips twisted into a knowing grin as he bent down to pick up the untouched bread. “I do not know what fare you are accustomed to eating,” he said, taking a step closer. “But this is nigh as good as you will find whilst we are camped in the forest. Believe it or not, the bread will get even harder before it runs out completely.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, taking it from him. She took a small bite and stared at the ground, until he stepped forward. His broad chest filled her vision, blocking out anything other than it. Large, warm hands cupped her cheeks. Slowly, gently he tilted her head upward and began to study her wounds.
“How is your head this morning, then?”
She swallowed. “Fine,” she replied as he lifted her chin higher to better examine the bruise on her cheek.
“A bit dizzy and sore, I imagine.”
Kaiya couldn’t find her voice to answer. Standing so near to him, she could not deny that he was truly a sight to behold. High-arched blonde brows, a perfectly lined taut nose, and full, yet not too heavy lips--all encompassed within a square set jaw. Yet, whilst his face appeared to be chiseled by the most adept artist, it was his spectacular eyes that enchanted her most. Up close, she could see they were sky blue with specs of gold streaking through them like beams from the sun. He gazed so intently upon her, her knees weakened. She almost lost herself within them before she got her wits about her.
She blinked and tore her gaze away.
He must use magic, she thought to herself, strong magic. She could see it would be harder than she thought to arm herself against it.
“It looks like you’ll recover,” he said dryly. “How about your wrists?” he asked, taking her hands in his to inspect them. Kaiya narrowed her eyes and yanked her hands back.
“I told you, I am fine,” she said, daring to turn her focus back upon him, seeing none of the malice or deceit in those brilliant sapphire eyes she accused of being there.
“My lady, you’re guarded and that’s understandable. But do not worry. I will not hurt you. You asked me to help you last night,” he reminded her in a calm whisper. “’Tis all I’m trying to do.”
She could feel her face grow hot again and cursed herself for the ease with which he seemed to affect her.
“I-I most certainly did not ask for help. And if I had, I wouldn’t have asked you.”
His light brows inched upward, and an amused look splayed upon his handsome face. “Really?”
“Aye, really,” she said, crossing her arms about her chest.
“Well, I must say then, my lady, you are making it much easier for me to do this.”
“Do what?”
He held out the heavy chains she recognized had been around her wrists, and she swallowed down the sudden lump in her throat.
{END}
Will the following user please stand up....
Bridgette's wish list
Email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com about a one of the books we're giving away. =)
Thanks!
Tina
Email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com about a one of the books we're giving away. =)
Thanks!
Tina
WANTED: REVIEWERS!
Yep, it's time for our yearly siren call. =)
Love to read in the romance genre? Do you have good writing skills and the ability to objectively and fairly give your opinion on book you've read? The Romance Studio is looking for volunteer reviewers. Experience is desired but not required. If you are interested, email us at reviews.trs@gmail.com for more details.
Thank you!
Tina
Love to read in the romance genre? Do you have good writing skills and the ability to objectively and fairly give your opinion on book you've read? The Romance Studio is looking for volunteer reviewers. Experience is desired but not required. If you are interested, email us at reviews.trs@gmail.com for more details.
Thank you!
Tina
The Nominees for the Romantic suspense category are...
Bare Devotion by Lacey Thorn (Ellora's Cave)
Death of a Pirate King by Josh Lanyon (Loose Id)
No Escape by Shannon K. Butcher (Hatchette Books)b
The Wild Sight by Loucinda McGary (Sourcebooks)
Under Fire by Beth Cornelison (Samhain Publishing)
Die Slowly For Me by T.L. Gray (Cerridwen Press)
Ancient Walls by Jennifer Mueller (Red Rose Publishing)
Winter's Daughter by JC Wilder (Samhain Publishing)
Tribute by Nora Roberts (Berkley)
The Missing by Shiloh Walker (Berkley)
Ethan's Chase by Browyn Storm (The Wild Rose Press)
Betrayals by Janet Quinn (Amber Quill Press)
Good luck!
Tina
Death of a Pirate King by Josh Lanyon (Loose Id)
No Escape by Shannon K. Butcher (Hatchette Books)b
The Wild Sight by Loucinda McGary (Sourcebooks)
Under Fire by Beth Cornelison (Samhain Publishing)
Die Slowly For Me by T.L. Gray (Cerridwen Press)
Ancient Walls by Jennifer Mueller (Red Rose Publishing)
Winter's Daughter by JC Wilder (Samhain Publishing)
Tribute by Nora Roberts (Berkley)
The Missing by Shiloh Walker (Berkley)
Ethan's Chase by Browyn Storm (The Wild Rose Press)
Betrayals by Janet Quinn (Amber Quill Press)
Good luck!
Tina
The Nominees for the Paranormal romance category are...
Fated by Lauren Dane (Samhain Publishing)
Dark Light by Jayne Castle (Berkley)
Druid Redeemed by Jean Hart Stewart (Cerridwen Press)
Rose Quartz by Sandra Cox (Cerridwen Press)
Mine To Possess by Nalini Singh (Berkley)
Red Fire Deirdre Knight (Berkley)
Black Opal by Sandra Cox (Cerridwen Press)
Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden (Kensington Books)
Into The Shadow by Christina Dodd (Berkley)
The Chosen Sin by Anya Bast (Berkley)
Electra Galaxy's Mr. Interstellar Feller by Candace Sams (Kensington Books)
Undercover Alien by Barbara Romo (Crescent Moon Press)
Into the Flame by Christina Dodd (Berkley)
The Stone's Release by Kerry A. Jones (Black Lyon Publishing)
Druid Disdained by Jean Hart Stewart (Cerridwen Press)
Druid Triumphant by Jean Hart Stewart (Cerridwen Press)
Good luck!
Tina
Dark Light by Jayne Castle (Berkley)
Druid Redeemed by Jean Hart Stewart (Cerridwen Press)
Rose Quartz by Sandra Cox (Cerridwen Press)
Mine To Possess by Nalini Singh (Berkley)
Red Fire Deirdre Knight (Berkley)
Black Opal by Sandra Cox (Cerridwen Press)
Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden (Kensington Books)
Into The Shadow by Christina Dodd (Berkley)
The Chosen Sin by Anya Bast (Berkley)
Electra Galaxy's Mr. Interstellar Feller by Candace Sams (Kensington Books)
Undercover Alien by Barbara Romo (Crescent Moon Press)
Into the Flame by Christina Dodd (Berkley)
The Stone's Release by Kerry A. Jones (Black Lyon Publishing)
Druid Disdained by Jean Hart Stewart (Cerridwen Press)
Druid Triumphant by Jean Hart Stewart (Cerridwen Press)
Good luck!
Tina
2008 CAPA Nominee - Paranormal Romance - FATED by Lauren Dane
This is the other Cascadia Wolves book nominated this year and it takes place two years after Standoff ends so the war with the Pellinis is over and the wolves we met in that story arc are mated and growing families. It's only Megan left as all the rest of her siblings have found their mates.
Blurb: Just because Fate brings you your perfect mate doesn’t mean it’ll be easy.
Could there be any worse fate than a road trip from Seattle to L.A.—with one’s mother—to attend a wedding? Why yes, when one isn’t married yet, like Megan Warden. Toss in a grandmother and a carload of already married sisters and it’s a recipe for sneaking sips of “special” coffee while someone else drives.
Shane Rosario has better things to do than attend a wedding where his father’s relatives will be at him nonstop about getting married and having children. If it weren’t for seeing his anchor bond, Layla, he’d have taken a pass on the entire weekend. It would be easy, since he’s become adept at hiding who and what he is.
When the two weren’t even looking, Fate steps in and before they know it, their bond is sealed. Bonded pair, married in the eyes of their people. Two people tied together in every way. Trouble is, Shane’s not sure he wants all that comes with Megan. And Megan’s certain she’s not willing to live outside her pack, pretending to be human.
The distance between them is more than geographical. It’s a widening gulf rapidly filling with resentment…an emotional divide only acceptance could bridge. Can Shane can accept himself to cross it? Only if they let love take control.
Here's a quick excerpt from when Shane and Megan first meet!
Once he’d exited the security area, he passed by a small bar. The Dodger game on the big screen caught his attention first, but nearly immediately he stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of the honeyed blonde sitting alone, sipping her drink. Slow green eyes, heavy lidded but sharp, slid from the game to his face and recognition hit, holding him rooted to the spot.
Her otherness radiated from her body. She wasn’t human but her smile, the way one corner of her mouth tilted up like the curve of a waist, was more than reason enough to overlook it. He was in Los Angeles after all, loads of shifters in the Southland.
He ambled over and she cocked her head as she leaned back and pushed the chair opposite hers out with a prettily sandaled foot.
“Hi there.” He grinned.
The scent of the lime in her soda water tickled his nose. But it was her elemental scent that made his hormones sit up and take notice. She smelled like honey and heady flowers.
She tucked her hair behind an ear and simple gold hoops winked in the low light. “Hi yourself.”
“So the story goes like this,” he said, leaning in to take a deep whiff of her and liking it. A lot. "Here I am, dreading seeing a bunch of relatives and I walk past and see you. The sight of those green eyes of yours just made my day a lot better.”
God he was usually way smoother than this but she made him feel sort of giddy. Stupid with wanting to touch her.
She laughed. “My goodness, I bet you say that to all the werewolves you meet in airport bars.” Her graceful hands fiddled with her napkin, shredding it into long strips and then balling the strips up. Over and over. Silly but it mesmerized him.
He figured Layla would forgive him for being late if he stayed and chatted this lovely lady up for a bit longer. His plane would only be arriving just now anyway, he thought as he checked his watch.
That’s when she checked her watch and swore softly. “I’m sorry. I’m picking someone up. I need to get to baggage claim. If I lose him, my sister will kill me.”
He nearly lost his mind when she stood. Her waist was so close he could have leaned in and brushed his lips against her belly. He smelled her, the heat of her skin, the full-on spice of her arousal. Licking his lips to try and get himself under control, he thought hard and realized what she’d said.
An Excerpt from Naughty Nine
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!
Here is a brief teaser excerpt from my CAPA nominated erotic anthology, Naughty Nine. Have you ever dreamed of a lover you lost? Are you brave enough to go back and search for him? What if he was still there--waiting for you? What if he was far more than he seemed to be that first time you met? Luciano is passionate paranormal love story perfect for Valentine's Day!
Luciano
Excerpt:
A man stood in the shadows, tall and mysterious. Black hair framed his face, a face she could never forget. She blinked to be sure. He took a step toward her, his eyes reflecting the same wonder that flooded her heart.
“American?” he asked, his full lips curling with a knowing smile. This was how it began, only now, he knew the answer.
“Still.” She wanted to run to him, to throw her arms around his shoulders and cling there, lost and found and fulfilled all at once. Instead, she remained frozen.
“It’s been a long time, Audrey. Care to dance?” He moved with the grace only a predator possesses. Muscles rippled and tensed beneath the thin cotton shirt he wore. Blue jeans hugged his hips. He appeared exactly as she remembered him, her gaze rising to his face to be certain. The torchlight danced in his deep brown eyes. Long ago, she’d lost herself there and never wanted to return.
“I will, if you agree to one thing.” She swallowed her desire and promised herself not to give in too much. Bad enough he really showed up, that she’d finally found the one man that stirred up fire in her body she couldn’t find anywhere else. She’d spent so much time glancing over her shoulder or staring at men that sparked a memory, hoping it would be him. It never was, until now.
Luciano took her hands, his fingers warmer than she remembered. He leaned in to deliver a kiss to her cheek. His lips seared her skin. He pulled back only to move to the other side, searing the opposite cheek in the same way. How she wanted those lips on hers. “Name it.”
“Don’t let me wake up alone in the morning.” She squeezed his large hands, hoping he’d agree. It was a small thing to ask after what had happened last time.
2008 CAPA Nominee for Erotic Paranormal Romance - Wolf Unbound by Lauren Dane
Thanks so much to the Romance Studio for the wonderful reviews they've given me over the years and of course for the CAPA nominations, which mean so much to me!
Cascadia Wolves: Wolf Unbound is one of two books from this series nominated for a CAPA this year and joins the first book in the series, Enforcer, also nominated for a CAPA in 2006! I've loved writing this series and so this nomination is extra special to me.
Here's the blurb: Blurb: Werewolf Enforcer Tegan Warden has been alone since the death of her mate four years ago. Until she meets Ben Stoner at a local club and she feels something she thought died inside her. Things move very quickly and she finds herself mated to a human man who’s not altogether sure he wants a forever kind of love with a woman he’s just met.
Ben realizes in short order Tegan is not only worth forever love, but a woman who’ll stand at his side without tolerating anything other than a full partnership.
In the bedroom it’s another story, as Ben has finally found a sexual submissive with a spark, and Tegan a man worthy of her submission. Together they work toward building a permanent relationship even as the specter of danger from the Pellini Group grows in the world of wolves.
All around them, the rising violence threatens the Packs and the only thing they know for certain is one another.
Here's a brief, PG13 rated excerpt of the book!
“Are you ready?” Hefting the bag in one hand, Ben held his other out for her to take.
Nodding, she reached out and held on.
He dropped the bag into the trunk of his car and they walked three blocks to Café Diva. They took a seat near the front windows and he went and got their drinks. He put a plate of six layer chocolate death between them. Two forks.
“You like chocolate?”
“Ever met a woman or a werewolf who didn’t?” She laughed.
“I didn’t really know any werewolves until two years ago.”
“And?” She watched him as he sipped, wiping away the foam in his mustache with a quick swipe of his tongue. A delicious shiver worked up her spine.
He shrugged. “It wasn’t the most auspicious of occasions but now I work with you all on a regular basis.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a cop.”
Her fork fell to the plate with a clatter. “Oh shit.”
“What? Hey, if I can set aside my prejudices about werewolves, you can get past my being a cop can’t you?” He leaned toward her. “Especially because I saw the way you looked at the rope.”
She had to close her eyes a moment at the thought of the rope.
“It’s not that.” Waving that away, she picked up her fork and took a fortifying bite of chocolate cake. “You’re Ben Stoner, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, how did you know my last name?”
“I’m Tegan Warden.”
“Shit, you’re Lex and Cade’s sister? Cousin?”
“Sister. And why is that bad?”
He chuckled. “Hey, you’re the one who was all shocked. And well, Lex is a big ass dude, I’m having very, very untoward thoughts about his sister. I better stock up on silver bullets.”
Prize Giveaway! Nice and Naughty
Congratulations to all the winners so far and good luck to the nominees in categories to come.
I want to join in the fun by offering a copy of my CAPA nominee to one random poster to this thread. I'll draw at the end of the award ceremony this evening along with a few consolation prize winners.
Enjoy the ceremony!
Jayne
The Nominees for the Historical romance category are...
A Desperate Journey by Debra Parmely (Samhain Publishing)
Moon Of The falling Leaves by Diane davis White (Highland Press)
Annabel's Courtship by Lucy Monroe (Samhain Publishing)
Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaret Campbell Barnes (Sourcebooks)
Where the Heart Is by Sheridon Smythe (The Wild Rose Press)
The Captive Heart by Bertrice Small (Berkley)
The Pearl at the Gate by Anya Delvay (samhain Publishing)
Dido's Prize by Eugenia O'Neal (Parker Publishing)
Good luck!
Tina
Moon Of The falling Leaves by Diane davis White (Highland Press)
Annabel's Courtship by Lucy Monroe (Samhain Publishing)
Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaret Campbell Barnes (Sourcebooks)
Where the Heart Is by Sheridon Smythe (The Wild Rose Press)
The Captive Heart by Bertrice Small (Berkley)
The Pearl at the Gate by Anya Delvay (samhain Publishing)
Dido's Prize by Eugenia O'Neal (Parker Publishing)
Good luck!
Tina
Lifting the Veil and Regina in the Sun, 2008 CAPA nominated novels-erotic paranormal category
I'm so honored to have been nominated beside, let's face it, all of my favorite authors! Thanks!
Lifting the Veil
Book One in the Temptation Unveiled series at Ellora's Cave
Blurb
When Meru Tanner receives a mysterious birthday present, The Book of Veils, her world is turned upside down. Now she's "seeing" things that aren't supposed to be real, gabbing with gods and having erotic premonitions about one sexy wolf-man she'd do anything to tame.
She tempted the feral beast inside him to come out and play. Damon Arkadios has kept the animal part of his nature leashed for thousands of years. He is a guardian, the leader of the Fianna warriors — but from the moment he caught her scent, he knew she was more than just another assignment. Protecting the sexy little seer will challenge his own beliefs — and his control.
Their lust quickly spins out of control, even as danger lurks behind every corner. Can she accept the legacy handed down to her from the distant past and convince her Lycan to be a part of her future? Or will the ancient evil that threatens to destroy their world keep them from making a new beginning together?
Regina in the Sun
Book One of the Children of the Goddess at Samhain Publishing
Blurb
When she arrives at Ye Olde Haven Pub, the sanctuary for Trueblood Vampires, Regina is wounded and desperate. Her only thought is to save the Deva Clan, her family, from the dangerous Loups De L’Ombre, the Shadow Wolves. She knows she will not exactly be welcomed with open arms. She is, after all, an Unborn, the lowest caste of Vampire.
As a natural born from the purest line, Zander Sariel knows the rules are sacrosanct—a Trueblood mates with his own kind. But one taste of the young Unborn is all Zander needs to know that rules were made to be broken.
With enemies at every turn, Zander risks everything to save Regina from the monster that hunts her, his own kind’s ignorance and—if he must—her lack of faith in her own unique abilities.
Only together do they have a chance to defeat the shadow that haunts their future, and save their entire race from extinction.
Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, voyeurism of an m/m/f ménage…a plethora of vampire nookie.
Congratulations EVERYONE!!
Lifting the VeilBook One in the Temptation Unveiled series at Ellora's Cave
Blurb
When Meru Tanner receives a mysterious birthday present, The Book of Veils, her world is turned upside down. Now she's "seeing" things that aren't supposed to be real, gabbing with gods and having erotic premonitions about one sexy wolf-man she'd do anything to tame.
She tempted the feral beast inside him to come out and play. Damon Arkadios has kept the animal part of his nature leashed for thousands of years. He is a guardian, the leader of the Fianna warriors — but from the moment he caught her scent, he knew she was more than just another assignment. Protecting the sexy little seer will challenge his own beliefs — and his control.
Their lust quickly spins out of control, even as danger lurks behind every corner. Can she accept the legacy handed down to her from the distant past and convince her Lycan to be a part of her future? Or will the ancient evil that threatens to destroy their world keep them from making a new beginning together?
Regina in the Sun
Book One of the Children of the Goddess at Samhain Publishing
Blurb
When she arrives at Ye Olde Haven Pub, the sanctuary for Trueblood Vampires, Regina is wounded and desperate. Her only thought is to save the Deva Clan, her family, from the dangerous Loups De L’Ombre, the Shadow Wolves. She knows she will not exactly be welcomed with open arms. She is, after all, an Unborn, the lowest caste of Vampire.
As a natural born from the purest line, Zander Sariel knows the rules are sacrosanct—a Trueblood mates with his own kind. But one taste of the young Unborn is all Zander needs to know that rules were made to be broken.
With enemies at every turn, Zander risks everything to save Regina from the monster that hunts her, his own kind’s ignorance and—if he must—her lack of faith in her own unique abilities.
Only together do they have a chance to defeat the shadow that haunts their future, and save their entire race from extinction.
Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, voyeurism of an m/m/f ménage…a plethora of vampire nookie.
Congratulations EVERYONE!!
The Nominees for the Fantasy romance category are...
Bound by Love by Wendy Stone (Phaze)
No Future Christmas by Barbara Goodwin (Cerridwen Press)
Survival of the Fairest by Jody Wallace (samhain Publishing)
The Dragon Master by Allyson James (Berkley)
Dragon's Heart by Marly Mathews (New Concepts Publishing)
Good luck everyone!
Tina
No Future Christmas by Barbara Goodwin (Cerridwen Press)
Survival of the Fairest by Jody Wallace (samhain Publishing)
The Dragon Master by Allyson James (Berkley)
Dragon's Heart by Marly Mathews (New Concepts Publishing)
Good luck everyone!
Tina
Excerpt: The Pearl at the Gate, 2008 CAPA nominated novella, Historical category
Finally decided on a PG13 excerpt of The Pearl at the Gate...so here it is! Enjoy...
Jenesta took a sip of coffee and carefully replaced the cup in its saucer. Roake followed the action, watching her graceful hand manipulate the fine china.
There was nothing wasted in the movement. Jenesta was calm, good-humoured and capable. In fact, prior to their marriage, she had been considered a fine example of Regency maidenhood.
He wanted to feel her hands on his body, surety of movement lost to passion, fingers clutching and stroking, calm shattered in the face of his lust. In his fevered imaginings, she screamed his name, begged and pleaded, caught in that place where pleasure hung torturously just out of reach. In his wicked mind, she writhed, suspended between wanting him to stop and never wanting him to stop, moaning as she waited to see which he’d choose.
After years at sea, Roake was more familiar with bordellos than with ballrooms, but he knew to leave the sexual knowledge gleaned on his travels outside her bedroom door. So he came to her in the dark, touched her as gently as he could, kept their encounters brief. Her acceptance, the warm regard with which she treated him, meant more than any treasure he had ever earned. If he were to frighten Jenesta, or give her reason to despise him, life would not be worth living.
If she knew of the dreams haunting him since they met, she would be terrified.
Again he swore to protect her from that knowledge. Protect her from him.
As the rain lessened, the clouds grew thinner and the quality of the light in the room improved. Jenesta looked up at the window, her face alight with the soft sheen of a flawless pearl.
How appropriate.
In some parts of the East, the pearl was revered as a symbol of purity, in others it represented perfection.
It had taken him one meeting to know he wanted her and six months to manipulate her father into a position where his suit could not be refused. Roake Barbenoir may have the stench of trade about him, but he was also exceedingly rich, and Viscount de Lindsay had five daughters to find matches for. Jenesta had all the characteristics Roake prized in a wife and mother. Confident but not bold, amusing but not silly, innocent and yet not so young that she had to be entertained like a child.
What was it in him that would have him destroy the very characteristics that first attracted him to Jenesta? Why did she bring out this almost demonic lust in him?
Roake looked away and forced his hands to cut a bite of herring, even though his stomach rolled at the thought of eating it.
“Will you still be traveling to Bournemouth today?”
Jenesta watched her husband put his cutlery on his plate and wipe his mouth before he replied. “Yes. I’ll be gone for three or four days.”
“May I perhaps come with you? It would be a good time to look at fabric for the morning room.”
Roake shook his head. “Not this time. With this rain, the roads will be a quagmire. I plan to ride instead of taking the coach.”
Jenesta stared down at her hands so he wouldn’t see her disappointment. In the six months they had been married, he had left her alone at Black Oaks several times, for days at a stretch. “I understand.”
Roake turned back to his breakfast and Jenesta glanced up at him from beneath her lashes. Even after all this time she found it difficult to believe this golden being with wheat-blond hair and the stern, craggy looks of a Viking was her husband.
Roake moved through the world as though it belonged to him. When he entered a room he overwhelmed it, no matter how large or full it might be. Effortlessly, he radiated power. His face and voice, even the way he held still, or gestured decisively, spoke to his core of steel. The first time she saw him, Jenesta knew—he could give her all she secretly craved.
Yet it was his eyes that affected her the most. So light as to seem blue one moment, smoky grey the next, they were most often unfathomable. At other times, his gaze swirled with emotions she could not name, knowledge she wanted to share.
When he looked at her that way, her body screamed to life and it took every ounce of self-control not to let it show. He was so big, more muscular than any other man of her acquaintance, his body coming not from the gentlemanly pursuits of riding and fencing, but from hard years at sea. A working man’s body—strong, yet leashed so tight she could feel the distance between them when he came to her bed.
Outwardly, she lay still and silent as he touched her, entered her body. Inside, she cried out for more. More, based on knowledge she should never have possessed. If he ever found out what she knew, how she felt, Roake would be disgusted.
I know what he could give me, if he would, if I knew how to ask, if it would not forever destroy me in his sight.
Heat rushed up from her belly toward her face and Jenesta dipped her head to hide the blush she knew stained her cheeks.
The Pearl at the Gate, available at Samhain Publishing
Jenesta took a sip of coffee and carefully replaced the cup in its saucer. Roake followed the action, watching her graceful hand manipulate the fine china.
There was nothing wasted in the movement. Jenesta was calm, good-humoured and capable. In fact, prior to their marriage, she had been considered a fine example of Regency maidenhood.
He wanted to feel her hands on his body, surety of movement lost to passion, fingers clutching and stroking, calm shattered in the face of his lust. In his fevered imaginings, she screamed his name, begged and pleaded, caught in that place where pleasure hung torturously just out of reach. In his wicked mind, she writhed, suspended between wanting him to stop and never wanting him to stop, moaning as she waited to see which he’d choose.
After years at sea, Roake was more familiar with bordellos than with ballrooms, but he knew to leave the sexual knowledge gleaned on his travels outside her bedroom door. So he came to her in the dark, touched her as gently as he could, kept their encounters brief. Her acceptance, the warm regard with which she treated him, meant more than any treasure he had ever earned. If he were to frighten Jenesta, or give her reason to despise him, life would not be worth living.
If she knew of the dreams haunting him since they met, she would be terrified.
Again he swore to protect her from that knowledge. Protect her from him.
As the rain lessened, the clouds grew thinner and the quality of the light in the room improved. Jenesta looked up at the window, her face alight with the soft sheen of a flawless pearl.
How appropriate.
In some parts of the East, the pearl was revered as a symbol of purity, in others it represented perfection.
It had taken him one meeting to know he wanted her and six months to manipulate her father into a position where his suit could not be refused. Roake Barbenoir may have the stench of trade about him, but he was also exceedingly rich, and Viscount de Lindsay had five daughters to find matches for. Jenesta had all the characteristics Roake prized in a wife and mother. Confident but not bold, amusing but not silly, innocent and yet not so young that she had to be entertained like a child.
What was it in him that would have him destroy the very characteristics that first attracted him to Jenesta? Why did she bring out this almost demonic lust in him?
Roake looked away and forced his hands to cut a bite of herring, even though his stomach rolled at the thought of eating it.
“Will you still be traveling to Bournemouth today?”
Jenesta watched her husband put his cutlery on his plate and wipe his mouth before he replied. “Yes. I’ll be gone for three or four days.”
“May I perhaps come with you? It would be a good time to look at fabric for the morning room.”
Roake shook his head. “Not this time. With this rain, the roads will be a quagmire. I plan to ride instead of taking the coach.”
Jenesta stared down at her hands so he wouldn’t see her disappointment. In the six months they had been married, he had left her alone at Black Oaks several times, for days at a stretch. “I understand.”
Roake turned back to his breakfast and Jenesta glanced up at him from beneath her lashes. Even after all this time she found it difficult to believe this golden being with wheat-blond hair and the stern, craggy looks of a Viking was her husband.
Roake moved through the world as though it belonged to him. When he entered a room he overwhelmed it, no matter how large or full it might be. Effortlessly, he radiated power. His face and voice, even the way he held still, or gestured decisively, spoke to his core of steel. The first time she saw him, Jenesta knew—he could give her all she secretly craved.
Yet it was his eyes that affected her the most. So light as to seem blue one moment, smoky grey the next, they were most often unfathomable. At other times, his gaze swirled with emotions she could not name, knowledge she wanted to share.
When he looked at her that way, her body screamed to life and it took every ounce of self-control not to let it show. He was so big, more muscular than any other man of her acquaintance, his body coming not from the gentlemanly pursuits of riding and fencing, but from hard years at sea. A working man’s body—strong, yet leashed so tight she could feel the distance between them when he came to her bed.
Outwardly, she lay still and silent as he touched her, entered her body. Inside, she cried out for more. More, based on knowledge she should never have possessed. If he ever found out what she knew, how she felt, Roake would be disgusted.
I know what he could give me, if he would, if I knew how to ask, if it would not forever destroy me in his sight.
Heat rushed up from her belly toward her face and Jenesta dipped her head to hide the blush she knew stained her cheeks.
The Pearl at the Gate, available at Samhain Publishing
Psyche Nominee: Dragon in the System
Dragon in the System
Geek Love, Book #1
By Cindy Spencer Pape
http://www.cindyspencerpape.com
Available now at Cerridwen Press:
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-4129-dragon-in-the-system.aspx
Blurb: Computer science professor Eric Gordon has to find the hacker responsible for a virus on campus. When his investigations show some sort of reptile may be living in the steam tunnels under campus, he turns to biology professor Lori Tremain for help.
Lori’s life is crazy with her tenure review looming, but she’s too curious and way too attracted to turn down Eric’s request. Together, Lori and Eric uncover things that their scientific minds can barely imagine, along with a passion they never expected. She doesn’t have time for love or dragons, but adventure and romance find her anyway.
The subbasements had never been modernized. The old stonework corridor was silent and dark and a damp, musty odor hung in the chilly air. Using the narrow beam of the flashlight, Eric led the way down the dank passage to the old janitor’s closet. Upon finding it empty, as expected, he pulled Lori inside, closed the door behind them and then turned on the light, reluctantly releasing her hand to do so. The single bare bulb cast a sickly yellow-white circle of light from the cobweb-covered ceiling.
Lori looked around. “You were right about one thing,” she sniffled, stifling a sneeze. “Lots of dust.” Wiping her nose impatiently with the back of her hand, she studied the floor intently. “The only footprints are ours,” she added agreeably, pointing out the marks from his size-fourteen sneakers and her own tiny bare feet. She began to look around the cluttered and dusty space, finally letting out an excited squeal. “Eric, look over here!”
Eric turned toward a corner of the room piled with a few dirty cardboard boxes and some old tin buckets–the kind with the rollers and mop-squeezers that weigh about half a ton each.
“There’s a mouse in this bucket,” she whispered excitedly.
“Alive?” he asked. He didn’t see why she’d be getting excited about a rodent. It was an old building, after all, but, heck, she was a zoologist.
Lori giggled. “Not that kind of mouse, silly. Your kind of mouse.” She lifted an old two-button parallel port computer mouse by the cable. “Looks like our hacker has been upgrading his equipment.”
Eric nodded. “Probably went for a decent serial mouse, or maybe a trackball. Faster.”
Lori cheerfully stuck the mouse into the plastic bag she’d pulled out of her pocket and then resumed her detailed examination of the room. Eric guessed that she probably read a lot of mysteries and was really getting into the idea of searching for clues. Her enthusiasm was contagious, however and he found himself enjoying the search. “Aha!” she cried.
“Now what?” He was almost afraid to ask.
“Skin,” she whispered, apparently remembering sporadically that this was supposed to be a stealthy operation.
Now even Eric was excited. “Skin?”
She whipped her keys out of the front pocket of her skirt and pulled a tiny pair of tweezers from the miniature Swiss Army knife she used as a key chain. The lady was full of surprises. Carefully, she lifted a maybe one-square-inch piece of translucent white stuff and added it to the bag.
“Reptile skin, Eric,” she told him seriously. “Somebody has had some kind of reptile down here and it was shedding.” She was practically quivering with excitement. “There’s a tiny bit of flesh attached, too, like this got snagged on something sharp.”
Eric took the bag from her hands and gazed reverently through the clear plastic to the white stuff inside. Sure enough, it resembled the snake sheds he’d occasionally found as a child poking through the wooded parts of
She grinned. “Well, you saw something, but I’m not sure that means you’re not crazy.” Her dark eyes looked up at him, crinkled mischievously, gleaming almost black in the harsh light. A lump the size of a dragon’s egg formed in Eric’s throat. She didn’t move, just kept looking up at him and he couldn’t help himself. Her eyes drifted shut as he lowered his face to hers and kissed her.
*****
It had been quite a while since Lori had been kissed. Her first thought after Eric’s lips had closed on hers was that he was way better at this than she’d have expected. That was also her last conscious thought for several minutes.
He was so tall that she had to strain upwards to reach him comfortably and her arms just sort of naturally wound themselves around his neck for support. There was well-toned muscle under the thick fabric of his borrowed sweatshirt, she noticed in some distant portion of her mind and his lips were firm but gentle, showing no hesitation as they expertly coaxed hers into opening for him. Eric nibbled gently at her lower lip, pausing to suck lightly at its center. She could smell the warm, masculine scent of his skin, even above the musty odor of the storeroom and it made her insides puddle.
The kiss continued. Lori gasped softly as Eric’s tongue slid slowly, exploring along her front teeth. She returned the caress, slipping her own tongue alongside his and he groaned huskily, tightening his hold around her waist. Lori squirmed against him, wanting to get even closer. As he deepened the kiss, she could feel his erection pressing hard into her stomach.
What the hell am I doing? Panic struck, just as Eric began to slip his big, warm hands up under Lori’s t-shirt. She desperately wanted his hands on her aching flesh, but now that her brain had kicked in, she realized that this was a very, very bad idea. She’d only known him for what—two hours? Heck, he could even be married or something. Whimpering a little, she reluctantly pulled away.
Eric groaned again, but probably in frustration instead of pleasure. Nonetheless, he immediately dropped his hands back down to Lori’s denim-clad hips and leaned over her, resting his forehead on the top of her head. “I’d say I was sorry, but I’d be lying,” he muttered thickly.
She giggled nervously, then swallowed several times in rapid succession. “Are you married?” she blurted, immediately embarrassed for not being able to control her tongue.
Eric chuckled wryly. “That’s what stopped you?” He tightened his grip, tugging her closer. She buried her face in his chest as he gently smoothed her tangled hair down her back. “Nope. No wife, no girlfriend, no infectious diseases. What about you?”
She shook her head, rubbing her face across the lettering on the sweatshirt. “No. I…uh…haven’t been involved with anybody in a while,” she admitted. And she’d never been this attracted to anybody this fast, she added mentally.
“Good,” he said gently. He took one hand away from her hips and lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes and for just a moment it felt like he was looking directly into her soul. “Because I’d like to see you again.”
Erotic Contemporary Romance Nominee: Nice and Naughty
I'd like to say thank you to the TRS staff for all their hard work both throughout the year and in preparation for today's event. I am honored for the CAPA nomination. Also, I'd like to thank Scott Carpenter for his captivating artwork which is also up for an ARI.
Without further ado, here's an excerpt from Nice and Naughty edited slightly for content ;)
Enjoy!
Jayne
From Nice and Naughty
(c) 2007 Jayne Rylon
“She’s beautiful,” he murmured reverently.
The car. He’s talking about your car. She tried to convince herself, but the rationalization rang false. While he admired the convertible, something more arced between them. Attempting to shake off the unusual reaction inflaming her senses by focusing on her vehicle, Alexa stepped a little closer.
“I’ve done a lot of work on it.”
“Can I touch her?” His implicit understanding of her dislike for people handling her vehicle made her confident he would treat it with the respect it deserved.
“Sure, go ahead.” Plus, she got to watch the way his broad finger stroked the defined contour in the flawlessly waxed side panel, which inflamed her senses nearly as much as if he’d placed the caress on her skin instead.
Before she could stop to analyze what her subconscious offered, she asked, “Would you like to take a look under the hood?”
“Hell, yeah.”
She had to laugh at the look on his face. “You look like a kid on Christmas.”
“It’s not every day I come across an opportunity like this.” The dark undercurrent of the statement and his piercing green stare made it clear he referred to more than a fancy sports car.
Oh God. He feels it, too.
Alexa should have been freaked out. Alone with a stranger, on a deserted stretch of highway, in the mountains far from the city, sounded like an unwise situation to put herself in. She should be nervous but a remarkable calm surrounded her instead. In fact, she just now realized she’d stopped on the side of the road without a second thought to safety. Today, she threw caution to the wind. The chemical reaction between them affected her like a drug.
As though he sensed her train of thought, the man backed away a few steps, displaying his non-threatening intent. He left the path clear for her to get in her car and drive away but her instincts shouted that she could trust him. She wanted to explore this attraction just a little bit further.
She leaned over the door and rested her fingertips on the hood release. The man’s gaze tracked her movement yet he didn’t encroach on her space. For a moment, the only sounds breaking the silence were the babble of the stream below, the gentle rustle of leaves from the tree branches overhead and a soft birdsong.
The air between them crackled with tension.
Then, the metallic click of the hood’s latching mechanism disengaging relayed her decision to stay. A broad smile spread across his face, raising faint dimples that heightened his attractiveness. Alexa inclined her head in a “come here” gesture as she circled around to the front of the car.
He ambled to her side with a steady gait that made her cognizant of his confidence she wouldn’t run. Reaching for the edge of the hood simultaneously, their hands met. Sparks shot up her spine and she jerked. His arm wrapped around her waist in a protective hold. The solid strength kept her from losing her physical footing, but not her emotional balance. This close she could smell the unique combination of his leather gear and subtle, earthy cologne.
“Easy.” His hand smoothed down her side and across the top of her ass as he went back to lifting the hood. The blatant touch imbued her with respect for his natural ability to handle a woman. However, she retained enough rationality to admire the gleaming chrome of the engine that she cleaned with painstaking diligence each weekend she could manage the time. Together they leaned forward, caught by the lure of a ridiculously overpowered motor.
“This is an aftermarket addition. Did you do this yourself?” His raised eyebrow conveyed his surprise.
“Yeah.”
“I’m impressed. Are you a mechanic?”
“Nope, this is just a hobby.” She smirked.
“Some hobby. I am a mechanic. This is a damn fine job.”
Alexa basked in his appreciation for details. None of her friends understood her devotion to this machine. They couldn’t comprehend why she spent the majority of her precious free time refining each tiny part until it was flawless. This man obviously did.
He ran his hand along the connections, searching with deft flicks of his fingertips for imperfections where none existed. His satisfied nod had her beaming.
“Jesus, woman. If someone told me I’d have the chance to play with a car like this today, I’d have said that nothing could distract me. But the way you’re looking at me…”
His voice trailed off as she reached up to do a little exploring of her own. Her hand moved on autopilot, following her desire, cupping the side of his stubbled face.
Is this guy for real?
The wet heat of his lips on her palm rasped against her nerves, stronger than any dream. She whimpered as he turned his head to lick the center of her palm before catching the sensitive skin between her thumb and index finger in his teeth in a gentle nip. The move set her ablaze, destroying common sense.
“Kiss me,” she demanded.
He didn’t need to be told twice. With a low groan, he closed the narrow gap between them, sealing his mouth over hers. He dropped the hood in place and put his hand to better use, wrapping it around her hip, yanking her tight against the hard plane of his chest. His height made Alexa strain on tiptoes to return his kiss. Eager to help, he tucked his other hand around her thigh and hoisted her up higher on his body.
They fit perfectly together.
Her hands tangled in his hair, loving the way the silky strands teased the sensitive crevices between her fingers. She kneaded his scalp, urging him to take her mouth deeper. His head angled over hers, intensifying the kiss as his tongue lashed playfully against the seam of her lips. She drew it inside her mouth and sucked. He tasted like peppermint.
She moaned with regret when he pulled away.
“I’m going to set you on the hood.” He rumbled in her ear in between nibbles of her neck.
“No! Wait.”
Though he looked disappointed, he stopped without hesitation.
The heat suffusing her face highlighted her discomfort with being so brazen. “I…I don’t want to scratch the paint. Take my shorts off first.”
Strained laughter burst from his chest. It transformed his features from rugged to unbearably handsome.
“Honey, you’re my every fantasy.”
Inspirational Nominee: Relationship Rescue
Have you ever wished for a second chance at happiness?
Cindy K. Green has crafted a bittersweet story of failed love and second chances. Sometimes touching, sometimes funny, this short, sweet read will warm your heart. ~ Kara Lynn Russell, author of the Orchard Hill series of Inspirational romances.
Two blind dates: one was stood up and the other one wishes she was. Have they both been set up in more ways than one?
After Mitchell Regan and Robynn Hartley broke off their engagement, they remained friends and continued attending the same church. They've attempted to keep their unhappiness a secret from each other and everyone else but they can't fool their close friends, Marina and Chad Anthony, who decide enough is enough. It's time for a Relationship Rescue.
Excerpt:
“You know, Robynn, I think we’ve been set-up.”
“Set-up? Yes, I was set-up. It was a blind date, but I can’t for the life of me figure out why Marina and Chad thought I would have gotten along with Norman Clark.”
“That’s my point. Marina and Chad set me up on a blind date that never showed. You had the date from a sitcom episode.”
Robynn sat up straight. “We were set-up!”
Mitch glanced at the counter again. Robynn turned around to look as well, her face close to his, sending his pulse racing. As he glanced down, she turned her eyes up to him and they locked onto each other. The pull to kiss her here and now was intense. “Robynn, I think they were hoping we might bump into each other tonight and talk just like we have.”
Realization entered her eyes. She began to nod her head as she spoke. “I know Marina was terribly disappointed when we didn’t get married.” She swallowed hard on the last word, her eyes glistening again.
“I think there were several people disappointed about that but maybe we don’t have disappoint them tonight.”
“What do you mean?” A stony expression entered her hooded eyes as she deeply assessed him. She didn’t trust him any further than she could throw him and he couldn’t blame her.
After taking her hand firmly into his, they sat back into the couch. It seemed like an eternity since he’d held her hand so intimately. It gave him the courage to go on. “Come take a walk with me…
Now Available at The Wild Rose Press ($1.50).
DIBS CAPA Nominee
Happy Valentine's Day. I hope everyone has an abundance of love to cuddle with today and everyday.
If, for some off the wall reason, love isn't cuddling up to you right now, may I suggest crawling between the pages of a good romance---until you find something better to crawl between.
Thanks to TRS for nominating my book DIBS for a CAPA.
Below is an excerpt of DIBS. Enjoy.
Lisa Wells http://www.lisawellsauthor.com/
Lacey hung up and punched in Neverfail’s number before she could think herself out of the graduation project. “Hi. Is this Neverfail?” I can’t believe I just asked that question.
“You got it baby. Who gave you the Luv Number?”
The voice, on the other end, was a mixture of surfer-dude meets marijuana-dude. Heavy on the marijuana mix.
“Maddison gave me your number.” Lacey felt three degrees of red burn her cheeks. She wasn’t a hussy by nature. She was more first date equals first base kind of girl.
“How is the old girl doing? I haven’t seen her, in like, a couple of months.”
I think Marty’s bimbo might be smarter than you. “She’s fine. Listen. Are you interested in having sex?” What kind of girl asks a complete stranger that kind of question? Is this what she had to look forward to? Begging guys to have sex with her?
“Sure, why not. I’m always interested in sex. Your place or mine?”
“Yours.” Lacey set up the time and wrote down his address. She drove to Victoria’s Secret for some courage in the form of sexy panties. She changed in the dressing room and threw her old underwear away. From there, she drove to his apartment. She sat in the parking lot long
enough to get her breathing under control and then opened the door. Taking a determined step out of the vehicle, she locked it and never looked back. Time to think would kill the moment. Kill her courage. If she thought, she would never go through with it.
Neverfail answered on the second knock. He was tan, buff, semi-handsome, and mostly naked. The stability of a towel, riding low on his hips, appeared to totally hinge on a tiny piece of material tucked in between skin and more material right below a heart tattoo. It wasn’t a large
towel.
It was a piece of fabric that begged a woman to take a closer look. It was wanton, enticing a woman to view the long legs stretching miles from underneath it. It was scandalous in the way it begged a woman to yank it just to see the hidden parts. The towel was also damn thin. Not at all thick and fluffy. It was see-through, touch-me, forget-the-legs, thin.
A movement, originating behind the middle of the towel, brought her out of her trance. Not bad.
“Yo, you must be Lacey. Nice bod. I took a shower for you,” he said, pointing to his towel.
I bought new underwear for you. Was he expecting her to yank down her jeans and show him her purchase?
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