My turn!

So did you all like the guest toes?  I thought it was fun, and it gave me a month vacation from trying to think up new blog posts.  :-)  And guess what?  HIS FORGOTTEN FOREVER is in stores now!  It's actually been out over a week.  It seems the release date for Nocturnes keeps getting moved up a day or two.  Used to be out on the 24th in the preceding month.  I found it in Borders on the 21st.  

Anyway, that means only three weeks left before any unpurchased books get their pretty covers stripped off and the rest of the book is pulped.  Sounds horrible, doesn't it?  Go rescue a copy of HFF!  Quick!  :-)

If you're interested in Truvin Stone, the villain from Kiss Me Deadly, who has amnesia in HFF, then you can read the first chapter here.  I loved this guy even when he was a villain, so he had to have his own story.  There's also the heroine, Lucy, a reporter for a myth-confirming cable TV show.  Yeah, I know, who confirms the myths?  She's really bored with her job and while she's spends her days interviewing wanna-be vampires, do you think she'd notice when a real one walks into her life?  Maybe.  Oh, and then there's Midge, the Norwegian goth witch.  I had fun with her.  

Hmm, what can I tell you about this story that would be interesting to know?  I think this is the first one that starts my 'color' nightclub obsession (for Nocturnes).  (I don't think I had a nightclub named after a color in KMD, but I could be wrong.)  Anyway, I think the nightclub in HFF is called Blue.  Of course it's all blue, blue lighting, blue drinks, etc.  And then, I got a little carried away with the following books.  The Devil To Pay has a nightclub called Crimson.  Everything is red.  Go figure.  Then in the Highwayman I think I've got Silver.  Moon Kissed has Fuschia (which may or may not remain), and Bite Me has Violet.  See a pattern?  Oh, I started the craze in Flawless with Vert, which was a club in Paris; everything was green, including the absinthe.  It might seem silly, but I always end up with nightclub scenes.  So I purposely forced myself to take out the scene in Highwayman and do something else.  To not fall back on a safe scene, so to speak.  But I do like those colored clubs.  :-)

I'm currently working on the next three books in the series (that come out after The Devil To Pay) simultaneously.  This is working rather neatly.  One week I work on one book, then switch the next week.  What's cool is, something can come up in #3 that I'll decide might be good to mention in #1, so I can do that.  Oftentimes, when a writer is doing a series, by the time they get to #3, it's too late to add in stuff to the previous books.  So I'm liking this a lot.

Went and saw WANTED last night.  That movie rocks!  I'm going to see it again.  Will post more on it in a few days.

M

Guest Toes: Leanna Renee Hieber

Hmm, more bunnies? Must be an author thing?

Leanna says: Her name is Persebunny, Queen of the Underthings. She likes to sit beneath my writing desk and seems to like my toes best when they're bare, she'll bite at my socks until I take them off and wiggle my toes behind her ears.

Check out Leanna's latest at Crescent Moon Press!

All Author Bash!

Check out the All Author Bash Friday, all day!

Guest Toes: Michelle Monkou (and daughter)

Meet my yucky foot and my daughter's beautiful foot.

I'm heading to Barbados in three days and you'll be happy to know that I'll actually get a pedicure. But right now, it's clean up time so we can return to a spiffy house.

I plan to celebrate my tenth publication - Gamble On Love, which is the 2nd in the Ladies of Distinction series. This Harlequin Kimani Romance book comes out in October, but why waste a beautiful setting for one celebration. Of course, my family and my brother's family think that's all they will have to celebrate.

Oh no. It's going to be my birthday on July 27 and since I spend many birthdays at Romance Writers of America's (RWA) national conferences, I'm celebrating early. Again, why waste Barbados.

Then I'm running for RWA president-elect. Have no idea if I'll win, but it's a reason to celebrate - Opa!

My daughter - who has vitilgo - is taking the big step to high school. Here's to you, babe. She wants to be a film director. And she's got some acting experience under her belt. May all your dreams come true.

Finally, check out the book that's featured - No One But You - the first in the Ladies of Distinction series about sorority sisters in their post-university lives. My website is michellemonkou.com for an excerpt; my blog is at michellemonkou.blogspot.com for my slice on life.

Guest Toes: Cindy Gerard

Tosies in the Posies

My toes are playing peek a boo in the petunias today but that wasn’t the case last year about this time when I survived a 5 day white water rafting/camping trip in the Grand Canyon. Then my toes were anything but pink as we waded in the rushing river, hiked to beautiful waterfalls and struggled through sandy beaches. It was worth every step, not just for the thrills of the white water and the stunning scenery, but because – and notice this very crafty and self-serving segue :o) - I ended up setting my novella, DESERT HEAT in the Grand Canyon based on that experience.

The RESCUE ME, anthology featuring DESERT HEAT along with Cherry Adair’s, JUNGLE HEAT and Lora Leigh’s, ATLANTA HEAT will be hitting the shelves on July 1 (only a couple of weeks away - YAY!!). So, reward your own tired little tosies and give them and your feet a rest while you kick back and enjoy what, if I do say so myself, is a pretty amazing collection of romantic adventures. I mean – Cherry and Lora – are you kidding? Those women are amazing! I’ve had the pleasure of reading their stories and let me tell you, they are Hot, Hot, Hot!!

Thanks for letting me share the news today. Enjoy the rest of your summer! But tell me first—what do you do to cool off and pamper yourself—other than those special time outs with a special book???

Stop by Cindy's website, and find her blogging at Riding With The Top Down!

Guest Toes: Diane Whiteside

See my toes? Spiffy, aren’t they? That’s because I’ve got a new day job where I have to dress up and pretend to be organized all the time, no matter what else is going on in my life.

See the pile of boxes? That’s what used to be my office, back before I moved to another town to take my new job. These are the books that pulled me through BOND OF FIRE, volume 2 of the Texas vampires’ trilogy, which came out in January.

And, drat it, those books are going to be unpacked and in neat rows along the bookcase shelves before BOND OF DARKNESS, volume 3 of the Texas vampires’ trilogy, comes out in October. That’s my self-imposed deadline and I’m sticking to it.

Because I’ve got a coal-black German Shepherd who’s just joined my household from the local rescue. She loves to stretch out her toes beside mine and dig them into the carpet when it’s time for a walk. I figure she’ll only give me so long before those black toes of hers start herding me out the door for some fresh air.

After all, toes are really important, y’know.

Diane
dianewhiteside.com

Guest Toes: Erica Orloff (and Demon Baby)

Here is a shot of my and Demon Baby's feet. You can't tell from the picture, but he is in his Superman pjs--and he is indeed some kind of superhero. He is child #4 in my crazy life, and is the reason I never get done what I am supposed to each day. But I wouldn't trade those little feet for anything.

Check out Erica and Demon Baby's blog at: demonbabyandme.blogspot.com

Erica blogs (sans Demon Baby) here.

And visit her website! 

Watch for Erica's next release from MIRA this fall.

Guest Toes: Kira Sinclair and Kimberly Lang

Both Kimberly and I were treated to First Sale Shoes when we received that wonderful phone call. I went for pure foot jewelry and Kimberly went for something she could wear for a multitude of occasions. I think either way you look at it, fantastic shoes and a pampering pedicure are great ways to celebrate no matter what the accomplishment. Shoot, I think walking down the driveway to pick up the mail deserves a shopping trip and a treat. A first sale deserves very expensive, very fabulous shoes!

When not working as an office manager or juggling plot lines, Kira Sinclair spends her time on a small farm in North Alabama with her wonderful husband, two amazing daughters and a menagerie of animals. While writing in one form or another has always been a part of her life, she’s excited to see her first book published with the Harlequin Blaze line. She’d love to hear from you at KiraSinclair.com.

Whispers in the Dark - August 2008 Harlequin Blaze
Dr. Desire, meet your match…

Karyn Mitchell once thought she’d never let another man touch her. But that was before she was seduced by the sinful voice of Dr. Desire! Listening to the radio talk show host, Karyn knows that his suave advice masks deep urges. Longings she’s sure she can answer skin on skin…

Christopher Faulkner, aka Dr. Desire, has built an on-air career in carnal counseling. When Karyn calls in, he hears a pang in her voice that he longs to soothe. But when they finally have the chance to fulfill their explicit fantasies, he has to wonder which one of them is playing doctor. Because the supersexy treatment he’s prescribed seems to be healing them both…

Kimberly Lang hid romance novels behind her textbooks in junior high, and even a master’s program in English couldn’t break her obsession with dashing heroes and Happily Ever After. A ballet dancer turned English teacher, Kimberly married an electrical engineer and turned her life into an ongoing episode of “When Dilbert Met Frasier.” She and her Darling Geek live in beautiful North Alabama with their one Amazing Child—who, unfortunately, shows an aptitude to sports.
Visit Kimberly at booksbykimberly.com for the latest news—and don’t forget to say hi while you’re there!

The Secret Mistress Arrangement, the story of a one-night stand that gets completely out of hand, will be a January 2009 release from Mills and Boon's Modern Heat.

And don’t forget to visit both Kira and Kimberly on the Writing Playground, where aspiring writers come to learn and play. writingplayground.com and writingplayground.blogspot.com.

Guest Toes: Pat White

Author Pat White is starting off her summer with a trip to Hollywood!  She hopes to walk along Venice Beach, cruise Beverly Hills, and visit Universal Studios.  She and her family will finish the trip at Disneyland.  Professionally-speaking, Pat finished her first screenplay and is starting a second, and she is working on romantic suspense and paranormal novels.  

Her latest release was LOVING THE ENEMY (Harlequin Intrigue).
Stop by Pat's website!

Check back in on Monday for more toes!

Guest Toes: Lois Greiman

Lois says:
These are my toes and Bint Aria's toes. Hers are the big round ones. Mine are
the pink ones. Bint is the only daughter of Lancer's Delite, the neatest mare
I've ever owned and one of my all time best friends. This was her and I when
she was 18 and I was...younger than I am now.
















And...since I can think of absolutely no way to segue into talk of my books, I'll
just tell you flat out that Under Your Spell was just released a few days ago and
I'd love for you to grab a copy. It's not the worst book I've ever written.
:)
Stop by Lois's website! And catch her blogging at Riding With The Top Down!

Guest Toes: Doranna Durgin

Wow! Some hard-working toes today. Here's what Doranna has to say...

website: http://doranna.net/

Meet my toes after a three-day agility trial, during which two of my dogs--a Cardigan Welsh Corgi and a Beagle--compete in the canine performance sport world. In case my reddened toes don't give it away, I run in sport sandals. Even slathered-on sun block doesn't keep my feet from acquiring an odd tanning pattern by the end of the weekend.

Agility is the most amazing rush ever. Along with the hours and daily connection of the training and conditioning, there are those moments on the course--the 50-ish seconds when you're flying along at high speed in complete communion with your dog. The first time I came off an agility course--a novice course, naturally, although it seemed daunting at the time--I was grinning like a fool. For hours. I have no idea if I qualified on that course or not--that's not what it was about. It was the communion. Don't let anyone ever tell you the dogs don't know the difference between training and trial--!

It's the same with my riding. My Lipizzan and I ride trail now and then, and we hang out together in the barn. But mostly we work on dressage, and conditioning and suppling him to improve his natural abilities and gaits. And on those days when we hit the same wavelength, when I'm thinking what he's thinking and he's thinking what I'm thinking and we're just a big ball of thunder and lightning moving around the paddock together--then that's the most amazing rush ever.

Can you tell? That's what these toes are all about...always have been, from that first rescued dog to the current pack of performance canines...from the years immersed in living among the wildlife of the Appalachians (log cabin, endless ribbons of green-backed mountains) to days spent bareback on the trails...from my wondrous mixed mutt of a gaited mare to the royally bred Lipizzan now in my backyard. The toes are bare as often as not, digging into dirt and grass when they can.

That's all what makes it such a pleasure to write what I do. From Dun Lady's Jess--my first, and now available again through a stupendous new French flap TPB edition--to the end of the year mystery release (Scent of Danger, with Dale the veterinarian and Sully Beagle), to all the animal-oriented fantasies in between and the upcoming Nocturnes in waiting (Sentinel Series, kicking off in May '09). Even in the Bombshells, there was always some sort of critter in the background...Rio's cat, Karin's dog, Selena's horse sidekicks...

Because the truth is, these toes are meant for running wild with the critters who make my life whole...I just can't resist putting that part of myself into the books. Sometimes I sneak it in where no one's expecting it, and sometimes I can just pure glory in it, as with Jess and the shapeshifting Sentinels. And I might even wax so much more poetic about that if there weren't dogs sitting at my feet with their Train Me! faces on and a horse waiting not-so-patiently by the paddock gate...but nope. Toes gotta go.
Doranna

Guest Toes: Bonnie Vanak

Some world-traveling toes today!
Here's what Bonnie has to say:

It’s summer and my toes are preparing to travel again. I can hear them
sigh, calling out for a pedicure, wishing they were encased in pretty
sandals instead of sturdy sneakers. But I tell them to buck up, there’s
work to be done. I work as a writer for an international charity and
travel to developing countries to interview poor people about their
plight. I come home to write their stories and raise money to help
them. My toes have traversed slums in Jamaica, garbage dumps in
Nicaragua, mountains in Guatemala, and even waded through flood waters
in Haiti that killed thousands. They’re tired toes, but they know how
important the work is.

They want to go to Egypt, where my Dorchester historicals are based.
They want to burrow into the hot sands where proud pharaohs have
strode, squish Nile mud that fertilizes the fields where peasants till
the soil, and humbly walk through ancient ruins where great men have
erected monuments. I tell my toes some day, maybe, we will visit
Egypt. But for now they know the cries of the hungry poor must be
answered. And so we go on doing the work that is first in my heart, and
leaving the dream of Egypt behind with a little wistful sigh and a
hopeful vision of “some day, maybe.”

Bonnie's THE SCORPION AND THE SEDUCER hit bookstore shelves last month. Check it out! And her next Nocturne, ENEMY LOVER is out this November (same month as my Nocturne). Visit her website!

Stop by on Monday for more toes!
M

Guest Toes: Jill Sorenson

Nice beachy toes! Hanging ten at the Oceanside Pier.

Jill writes...
All this month I'll be sharing pictures of Oceanside, CA, the setting
for my debut novel, DANGEROUS TO TOUCH. Visit my Web site to see sunny
beach panoramas, semi-spooky pictures of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and
Guajome Lake (where the bodies of two murdered women turn up in
DANGEROUS TO TOUCH), and much more. I'll be giving away a signed copy
of DANGEROUS TO TOUCH every week in June!

Have a great summer!

Visit Jill at her website!

Guest Toes: Megan Hart

Ohh, brrrrr, looks like some cold toes today.  Or maybe they're just comfy?
Actually, I think they're getting some writing done. Megan's working on her current WIP.

And she's got a new short story out! REASON ENOUGH, which features Dan and Elle from DIRTY. Dan and Elle Stewart have a good life. A nice house, a strong marriage, friends and family. There's nothing more that she could ask for, but Dan want more. Will Elle find it in herself to give him what he wants?

Download here!



Stop by Megan's website and blog!
ps - go check Megan's blog video today. The cat steals the show!

Guest Toes: Lori Devoti

Hey, what are these toes doing?  Looks like they're catching up on the latest hot read from Nocturne! 

Lori's latest got a TOP PICK from Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine!

Natural enemies, hellhound and Valkyrie, their alliance made them more
powerful than anyone could anticipate...
Alongside his hellhound brethren, Venge Leidolf was summoned to start the
Wild Hunt anew. But in this dreaded pursuit of souls, Venge sought to free
himself from his infernal bondageˆby claiming the heart of a fierce
Valkyrie.

Geysa never questioned the alluring gifts that set her apart from the other
Valkyries, or her hatred of hellhounds,until Venge fell under her spell.
Drawing the alpha hellhound so close made Geysa doubt her every instinct. To
stop the Hunt, the two blood-born enemies would need to cast aside old vows
and allegiances. Only then could no one question the strength of their
union.

Lori has a contest going on right now. Here's the details...
Take a picture of Wild Hunt and something that represents you. Post it on
the Internet and email me the link, and you'll be entered to win a Nocturne
or Zebra Debut prize package. Details here--http://www.loridevoti.com/contest/
Toes would count as you!

Check out Lori's website! And her blog!

Stop by tomorrow for more toes!

All right!  That's enough exclamation points!

M

Guest Toes: Marcia Colette

We're kicking off June with toes!  And that makes sense, because you need toes to kick something, eh?  Anyway, let's start with a little bunny love from Marcia Colette.  The bunny's name is Zoe..  Everyone together now...aaaawwwwww.

Marcia says "This adds new meaning to the word pet-icure and reminded me why I wear socks.  I'd never get any writing done."

Check out Marcia's current release, Unstable Environment, and Marcia's website.

Stop back tomorrow for more toes!
M

Contest winner!

Shari sent in the title "Tempt The Dark", which I've chosen as the winner.  Congrats, Shari!  And thanks to all who sent series titles ideas.  What a bunch of creative people!

Just a reminder that tomorrow begins our Guest Toes month.  So far I've got toes from Marcia Collette, Megan Hart, Betina Krahn, Bonnie Vanak, Lori Devoti, Jill Soren, and the list of those who haven't yet captured their twinkle toes in photos is just as fun.  So stop by and take a gander and read about the authors' latest releases as well.  If you're an author and want your toes featured here during June, give me an email!

Want to read the first chapter of HIS FORGOTTEN FOREVER?  Check it out!

M