Recently, one of my besties gave me a cool gift. Author Marilyn Baxter showed up to breakfast with this book:
She’d found it at a thrift store, and thought I would enjoy it since I write for the same line. This is from the Desire line when it was Silhouette Desire, a brand new venture, as this is #50. I absolutely love the cover! The ultra alpha male with a bushy mustache. Those high heels in the middle of the woods. And the (now) vintage car in the background. Dated as it is now, it's a true representation of the books I read that got me hooked on romance. The emotional draw of being swept off your feet by someone able to take car of everything (even if its not PC, I still dream of that some days). :)
Some of the first Desires I read were some older ones. A kind lady who lived across the street gave me a box of books when I was recovering from a very bad illness and it included this book and several others:
I still have this book and still read it too! It's Desire #712. A little closer to the traditional clinch cover, this one still represents the glamour of the Desire line. I'll be forever grateful to that kind lady! She reintroduced me to the joy of reading romance, and eventually writing it. Something I wouldn’t even think about until over 3 years after reading it.
Though vintage covers are cool, I have to admit I’m in love with my Desire covers. Now the line is Harlequin Desire, and my release for last month, A Bride’s Tangled Vows, was Desire #2322.
I think the full cover pic truly pops and draws the eye of the reader more. And I have a brand new cover coming soon. The Blackstone Heir, my Mill Town Millionaire book coming in February 2015, will be my first ever baby cover! It’s so cute! (The cover & the baby.)
So let’s talk about covers! What are your favorite old school and modern cover designs?
Dani
If you’ve ever wondered about the process for Indie authors creating their own covers, check out this really cool Inside Scoop post from yesterday on Nice Girls Writing Naughty by Ella Sheridan, who shares the awesomely hot hunk who will be on her upcoming cover with us!!!!
Nestled in the hills of South Carolina is the one town Aiden Blackstone has refused to acknowledge since he was eighteen years old. The town he grew up in. The town of his birthright. Lured home by his grandfather’s pretense of death, Aiden finds himself snared in a well-laid trap made of coercion, obligation, and duty. There’s no easy way out of his grandfather’s demands that he marry and take over the family business that supports the entire town, not if he wants to keep his invalid mother safe.
Saddled with a wife he shouldn’t want, and the town he never wanted to save, Aiden finds himself swimming through a mire of anger, responsibility, and lust, counting down the days until he can walk away, return to the life he built for himself in NYC, filled with socialites and high dollar art deals, not a town counting on their mill to stay open...and a woman whose soulful gaze gives him a redeeming purpose for every day.
Christina Reece spent her entire childhood wishing Aiden’s family was her own. When a tragic car accident left Aiden’s mother an invalid, Christina got her nursing degree and moved to Blackstone Manor to care for her. Over time, she ended up creating the family she’d always dreamed of...almost. Now she’ll do whatever she must to keep them safe and preserve their future.
When Aiden’s grandfather threatens all she holds dear, Christina volunteers to become Aiden’s wife—not realizing the tormentor from her childhood had transformed into a man she could truly love. A man eager to leave the minute his obligations are fulfilled. As they join forces to uncover a saboteur in their midst, outwit Aiden’s grandfather’s manipulations, and care for Lily, Christina sees the man Aiden truly is—and helps him to see it too. But how can she trust her heart to a man intent on walking away from everything they are building together?
Then their enemy strikes out, threatening everything they hold dear, Aiden and Christina must choose which is stronger—obligation or love?
She’d found it at a thrift store, and thought I would enjoy it since I write for the same line. This is from the Desire line when it was Silhouette Desire, a brand new venture, as this is #50. I absolutely love the cover! The ultra alpha male with a bushy mustache. Those high heels in the middle of the woods. And the (now) vintage car in the background. Dated as it is now, it's a true representation of the books I read that got me hooked on romance. The emotional draw of being swept off your feet by someone able to take car of everything (even if its not PC, I still dream of that some days). :)
Some of the first Desires I read were some older ones. A kind lady who lived across the street gave me a box of books when I was recovering from a very bad illness and it included this book and several others:
I still have this book and still read it too! It's Desire #712. A little closer to the traditional clinch cover, this one still represents the glamour of the Desire line. I'll be forever grateful to that kind lady! She reintroduced me to the joy of reading romance, and eventually writing it. Something I wouldn’t even think about until over 3 years after reading it.
Though vintage covers are cool, I have to admit I’m in love with my Desire covers. Now the line is Harlequin Desire, and my release for last month, A Bride’s Tangled Vows, was Desire #2322.
I think the full cover pic truly pops and draws the eye of the reader more. And I have a brand new cover coming soon. The Blackstone Heir, my Mill Town Millionaire book coming in February 2015, will be my first ever baby cover! It’s so cute! (The cover & the baby.)
So let’s talk about covers! What are your favorite old school and modern cover designs?
Dani
If you’ve ever wondered about the process for Indie authors creating their own covers, check out this really cool Inside Scoop post from yesterday on Nice Girls Writing Naughty by Ella Sheridan, who shares the awesomely hot hunk who will be on her upcoming cover with us!!!!
Nestled in the hills of South Carolina is the one town Aiden Blackstone has refused to acknowledge since he was eighteen years old. The town he grew up in. The town of his birthright. Lured home by his grandfather’s pretense of death, Aiden finds himself snared in a well-laid trap made of coercion, obligation, and duty. There’s no easy way out of his grandfather’s demands that he marry and take over the family business that supports the entire town, not if he wants to keep his invalid mother safe.
Saddled with a wife he shouldn’t want, and the town he never wanted to save, Aiden finds himself swimming through a mire of anger, responsibility, and lust, counting down the days until he can walk away, return to the life he built for himself in NYC, filled with socialites and high dollar art deals, not a town counting on their mill to stay open...and a woman whose soulful gaze gives him a redeeming purpose for every day.
Christina Reece spent her entire childhood wishing Aiden’s family was her own. When a tragic car accident left Aiden’s mother an invalid, Christina got her nursing degree and moved to Blackstone Manor to care for her. Over time, she ended up creating the family she’d always dreamed of...almost. Now she’ll do whatever she must to keep them safe and preserve their future.
When Aiden’s grandfather threatens all she holds dear, Christina volunteers to become Aiden’s wife—not realizing the tormentor from her childhood had transformed into a man she could truly love. A man eager to leave the minute his obligations are fulfilled. As they join forces to uncover a saboteur in their midst, outwit Aiden’s grandfather’s manipulations, and care for Lily, Christina sees the man Aiden truly is—and helps him to see it too. But how can she trust her heart to a man intent on walking away from everything they are building together?
Then their enemy strikes out, threatening everything they hold dear, Aiden and Christina must choose which is stronger—obligation or love?
I’m currently digging deep into Book 3 of my Mill Town Millionaires series, and am totally into my new hero Luke ‘Renegade’ Blackstone.
This bad boy escaped his oppressive childhood in Blackstone Manor with his own getaway car—and turned it into a profession as a stock car racer. In Book 2, The Blackstone Heir, something happens to completely sideline his career. Now he’s back in Black Hills, SC, once more, counting the days until he can escape again. But first he must be cleared for takeoff by the town’s only physical therapist—a woman he cruelly spurned when she was a high school senior.
I think this bad boy might have his hands full! Here’s his theme song: Renegade by Daughtry
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfypxzUF1y4?rel=0]
Enjoy!
Dani
What makes someone feel sexy? How can someone embrace who they are and know they have something very important to give another person? Well, I know from experience, it isn't easy. The same is true for my heroine, Christina, in A Bride's Tangled Vows. Life has done a number on her, but she's finding her worth-and making her new husband see it for himself!
He didn’t hear the footsteps until too late. He’d barely looked up before colliding with someone coming down the stairs. A soft someone who emitted a little squeal as she stumbled. Certain they’d fall, Aiden surged forward to keep from losing his balance. Christina tried to pull back, but her momentum worked against her. Hands flailed, finding purchase on his shoulders. Her front crushed to his. Their weight pressed dead against each other, stabilizing as two became one.
Everything froze for Aiden, as if his very cells locked down. He managed one strangled breath, filled with the fresh scent of her hair, before his body sprang to life. Her soft curves and sexy smell urged him to pull her closer, so much so that his fingers tightened against the rounded curves of her denim-covered hips. The soft flesh gave beneath his grip.
Darkness permeated the staircase, heightening the illusion of intimacy. His and Christina’s accelerated breaths were the only sound between them. They were so close, he felt the slight tremor that raced over her echo throughout his entire body. It took more minutes than Aiden cared to admit for his mind to kick into gear. “Dreamed up more ways to invade my territory, Christina?”
He felt her stiffen against his palms, tension replacing that delicious softness. Just as he’d intended.
Before he could regret anything, she retreated, stabilizing herself with a hand against the wall. “Aiden,” she said, prim disapproval not hiding a hint of breathlessness, “I’m sorry for not seeing you.”
I’m not.
“And for the record, I’m not invading anything. So I’d thank you to never call me by that stupid nickname.” Her voice came out low, intensifying the sense of intimacy. “I’m trying to help, Aiden. I really am.”
From A Bride's Tangled Vows, Harlequin Desire:
The Term Limit Bride
Wealthy art dealer Aiden Blackstone has successfully avoided two things: returning to the hometown that haunts him, and taking a wife. Now thanks to his controlling grandfather’s machinations he’s reluctantly ended up doing both. But Christina Reece quickly proves she’s no mere platonic bride of convenience.
The only way she can make this marriage outlive their one-year agreement is if she can make her sexy husband open his heart and forget the demons of the past…before it’s too late. Because there’s an enemy on the horizon, threatening to take away all they hold dear, including their newfound passion.
Don't forget to check out more sexy fun with cool authors at My Sexy Saturday blog.
He didn’t hear the footsteps until too late. He’d barely looked up before colliding with someone coming down the stairs. A soft someone who emitted a little squeal as she stumbled. Certain they’d fall, Aiden surged forward to keep from losing his balance. Christina tried to pull back, but her momentum worked against her. Hands flailed, finding purchase on his shoulders. Her front crushed to his. Their weight pressed dead against each other, stabilizing as two became one.
Everything froze for Aiden, as if his very cells locked down. He managed one strangled breath, filled with the fresh scent of her hair, before his body sprang to life. Her soft curves and sexy smell urged him to pull her closer, so much so that his fingers tightened against the rounded curves of her denim-covered hips. The soft flesh gave beneath his grip.
Darkness permeated the staircase, heightening the illusion of intimacy. His and Christina’s accelerated breaths were the only sound between them. They were so close, he felt the slight tremor that raced over her echo throughout his entire body. It took more minutes than Aiden cared to admit for his mind to kick into gear. “Dreamed up more ways to invade my territory, Christina?”
He felt her stiffen against his palms, tension replacing that delicious softness. Just as he’d intended.
Before he could regret anything, she retreated, stabilizing herself with a hand against the wall. “Aiden,” she said, prim disapproval not hiding a hint of breathlessness, “I’m sorry for not seeing you.”
I’m not.
“And for the record, I’m not invading anything. So I’d thank you to never call me by that stupid nickname.” Her voice came out low, intensifying the sense of intimacy. “I’m trying to help, Aiden. I really am.”
From A Bride's Tangled Vows, Harlequin Desire:
The Term Limit Bride
Wealthy art dealer Aiden Blackstone has successfully avoided two things: returning to the hometown that haunts him, and taking a wife. Now thanks to his controlling grandfather’s machinations he’s reluctantly ended up doing both. But Christina Reece quickly proves she’s no mere platonic bride of convenience.
The only way she can make this marriage outlive their one-year agreement is if she can make her sexy husband open his heart and forget the demons of the past…before it’s too late. Because there’s an enemy on the horizon, threatening to take away all they hold dear, including their newfound passion.
Don't forget to check out more sexy fun with cool authors at My Sexy Saturday blog.
I'm hanging out on the Nice Girls Writing Naughty blog today, chilling in the summer heat with a barbecue sauce recipe to liven up your next cookout!
My post is part of a Recipe Contest over the next two weeks with prizes galore, including a $50 grand prize gift card! Drop by and share your recipe for a chance to win the overall prize or 1 of 4 categories.
It’s Release Day for A Bride’s Tangled Vows, the first in my Mill Town Millionaires series, and I wanted to do something fun today! I got the idea for an author interview from my fellow author Angel Payne, and am excited about delving further into Aiden Blackstone’s psyche! Its so much fun to torture them. :)
Aiden is a hot shot art dealer who's all business—he doesn’t have time to be pulled into his grandfather’s machinations to bring him back to his hometown of Black Hills. Only his grandfather isn’t going to back down, and isn’t afraid to use Aiden’s invalid mother as motivation. This hero is trapped well and good, and determined not to develop any more ties to his former home—especially to his new wife.
The Term Limit Bride
Wealthy art dealer Aiden Blackstone has successfully avoided two things: returning to the hometown that haunts him, and taking a wife. Now thanks to his controlling grandfather's machinations he's reluctantly ended up doing both. But Christina Reece quickly proves she's no mere platonic bride of convenience.
The only way she can make this marriage outlive their one-year agreement is if she can make her sexy husband open his heart and forget the demons of the past…before it's too late. Because there's an enemy on the horizon, threatening to take away all they hold dear, including their newfound passion.
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paperback
The Term Limit Bride
Wealthy art dealer Aiden Blackstone has successfully avoided two things: returning to the hometown that haunts him, and taking a wife. Now thanks to his controlling grandfather's machinations he's reluctantly ended up doing both. But Christina Reece quickly proves she's no mere platonic bride of convenience.
The only way she can make this marriage outlive their one-year agreement is if she can make her sexy husband open his heart and forget the demons of the past…before it's too late. Because there's an enemy on the horizon, threatening to take away all they hold dear, including their newfound passion.
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paperback
Let’s delve into what makes Aiden Blackstone tick!
Aiden: Maybe I don’t want to… Dani: You never want to cooperate, unless the idea is your own. But I’m going to ignore that…again. Aiden: You aren’t going to let me out of this, are you? Okay, let’s get on with it. Dani: I love you when you’re grumpy! Now, tell us, if you could erase any horrible experience from your past, what would it be? Aiden: *Looks up the stairs, as if he could see through the flooring to his mother's sick room.* Taking the phone call that my mother was in a car accident. I’d seen her just the day before, and didn’t get the information until my brother was able to call. I couldn’t see her, couldn’t tell for myself that she was okay… Dani: Because of your grandfather? Aiden: Yeah. When that man laid down an ultimatum, he meant it. Dani: If you could re-live any point of time in your life, but only a half-hour, what half-hour of your past would you like to experience again? Aiden: Any 30 minutes from my last day with my mother. Dani: *noting Aiden’s discomfort, and attempting to lighten the tone* Do you have any current obsessions? Aiden: You mean, besides that beautiful brunette I sleep beside every night but can’t touch? Not having her but watching her take care of everyone I love and me? I might be more obsessed with her than I am my business. No, that can’t be right.Hmmm… I have a feeling Aiden will be eating those words by the end of the book. What about you? Do you have any other questions for Aiden Blackstone?
Here’s a sneak peek at the first chapter of A Bride’s Tangled Vows! And don’t forget the other Blackstone Brothers—Jacob and Luke—in the upcoming installments of the Mill Town Millionaires series!
Welcome to my stop on the Sizzling Summer Blog Hop!
Summertime here in the south is hot and steamy. We have more than our fair share of humidity, but we also have more than our fair share of fun, and I love to include this in my books – especially my Backstage Pass series. After all, rock stars are not known for their predictable ways.
So here are my band Solar Uprising’s favorite ways to beat the sizzling heat:
BARBEQUES
If it's one thing rockers love to do, it's party. What better way in the summer then a barbecue and beer and a pool?
“Chicken fight!”
Becca wasted no time getting to her feet. “That would be my cue to exit. The annual chicken fight is definitely not my scene.” She strode toward the locker rooms, leaving Taylor to face the music.
She turned a wide-eyed gaze toward the rest of the party, which was rapidly dividing itself by groups of two. Even the teenagers. Her stomach started to churn, faster and faster, like a merry-go-round gaining speed.
She stayed put, sort of an “if I’m very still, no one will notice me” move. After all, no one had so far. But she should have known her luck would run out.
Not two minutes later Michael detached himself from the group and swam in her direction. Oh, that hot dog had been a mistake. She just might puke in the pool.
No. No no no. Please don’t make me do this. The last thing she wanted was for Michael Korvello to try to lift her. She could just imagine the stoic grunt as he realized just how much she weighed. Not to mention having to do it in front of a handful of women shaped like twigs. With boobs, of course.
His head lifted above the water with slick grace, the wetness somehow deepening the smoky blue of his eyes. “I need a partner, Taylor.”
She swallowed hard. “No, thanks.”
“Come on. You wouldn’t leave me hangin’, would ya?”
Her expression must have showcased some of her “you bet I would, mister” sentimentality, because the laughter in his ramped up. “Come on. Just a friendly game of chicken.” His emphasis on the word notated his challenge.
Just like he challenged her every day. Drawing her out, coaxing her to take the leap. But this time she had fear of taking her towel off in front of thirty-some-odd people on her side.
“Not happening.” She shook her head to drive her point home.
Above the slosh of people in the pool, a voice suddenly rang out. “I thought you said she was a cool nanny?”
A quick glance revealed the teens looking her way, and not a single soul left out of the pool, except one woman wrangling two toddlers.
And her.
So much for outgrowing peer pressure. Her “okay” got everyone back to their preparations and their eyes off her, thank God. But not Michael’s.
He watched with a raised brow as she stood next to her lounger. Her legs shook with the desire to run back to the locker rooms and hide. How could she possibly do this? But some teeny-tiny spark inside insisted she could ramp up that sexy glint in his eyes.
Fake it till you make it.
Sucking in her stomach, she let the towel drop to reveal her new swimsuit. His gaze traveled down the teal one-piece with interest, lingering where it dipped low over her cleavage. Turning, she draped her towel over her lounger. A totally unnecessary maneuver, but his quick intake of breath told her he’d seen the heart-shaped cutout right over the dimples at the small of her back.
Did he like them?
Remembering when those dimples had been the subject of ridicule rather than an intimate secret between lovers, she approached Michael with a touch of caution. When she was within a few steps of him, he breathed, “Damn, woman.”
Ah, victory.
A few deep breaths got her through the indignity of climbing onto Michael’s muscled shoulders. Thankfully he didn’t moan or stumble over her weight. The only thing that eased her self-consciousness was the feel of his wet skin against hers. His hands warming as they curled around her thighs. The flex of his arms as he balanced her securely.
Oh, she was so going to hell for her thoughts.
Luckily no one else seemed to be paying her any attention as one of the men yelled, “Ready. Set. Go!”
from Finding Her Rhythm, Book 1
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Summer nights provide many a chance to step off the beaten path and explore all the options. These bad boys will wonder off the straight and narrow every chance they get!
A slight breeze flirted with the ruffle of her skirt, playing around her bare legs. They came around a curve in the road, and Becca smiled. She had noticed the little park on their way over, but hadn’t taken the time for a thorough look. Swings and seesaws sat still in the darkness, with a pavilion and other equipment deeper in the shadows. An abundance of trees would keep the area shaded during hot summer days, but tonight they took on the magical qualities of an enchanted canopy.
“So pretty,” she murmured, pausing for a moment to take it in.
Daniel squeezed the hand he still held. “Come,” he said, sounding as if he had jumped into her little fantasy, “let’s go for a stroll in the park.”
She giggled as they stepped off the pavement, then walked slowly around, exploring the nooks and crannies. Becca soaked in the rustle of the leaves overhead and the occasional brush of Daniel’s body along her side. Finally he tugged her farther toward the shadows at the back. “I see a place perfect for a few adult games,” he said.
“Daniel, no.”
“Come on, cutie. Take a walk on the wild side with me.”
She wasn’t especially wild. At least, not without Daniel. But who could resist that gorgeous grin? A bit of necking never hurt, right?
Only she should know Daniel never did anything halfway. Guiding her into the stand of trees, he found a nice wide trunk to back her up against. She giggled as he nuzzled into her neck, then moaned as he sucked her skin. God, he felt so good.
“Becca, I don’t think I can wait until we get back to the hotel,” he murmured.
“You mean the one I can see from here?” she teased even while her hands pulled his hips closer. That didn’t help her case. She wanted to tease him again, but his words against her skin had her shivering with sensations. How could words turn her on so much?
“I want to open this demure little button-down of yours and expose those pretty pink nipples to the night air,” he said, his mouth traveling down as if to follow through. Her nipples reacted, tight and tingling, as the image filled her mind.
from Settling the Score, Book 2
BLESSED RAIN
One sure way to cool down is a steady summer shower. And who doesn't want to play in the rain? This bad boy definitely does.
Now she needed to deal with the reality.
Which was why she was trailing Sean through the mist in the dark. The words of his note had floated through her mind throughout the meal. You can’t hide from me forever, girlie. The flush that rose over her chest and heated her cheeks had drawn his eye, but he hadn’t remarked on it—or anything else for that matter.
She’d expected him to hunt her down as soon as they were dismissed. Instead he’d disappeared into the depths of the house with his brother. She’d wanted to seek him out but hid behind a book in the library for long moments trying to prepare her explanations.
Then she’d heard footsteps passing by. She was still buttoning her coat as she caught a glimpse of him rounding the corner of the building. Quickening her steps, she saw just a dark shadow before he was swallowed up by the cloaking mist.
Boy, he was moving fast. Like he had a ton of energy and no way to expend it. She totally sympathized.
Luckily the path he disappeared down led to the old ruin by the lake. It was one of the few places she hadn’t explored yet, but Clarissa had pointed it out. The pebbled path was lined with small lights at regular intervals. They provided just enough illumination for her to keep on track, even if her surroundings were obscured by the gray blanket hanging in the air.
Navigating the darkness gave her an excuse to slow down and put off the inevitable. She could admit it, even if she wouldn’t let herself give in to it. Reaching the looming stone structure, she paused for a moment of awe. The stone walls were ancient and beautiful in the gloom, so tall she couldn’t make out the top floor. The beauty touched her heart, as if the old building welcomed her. A deep breath for courage, then she stepped through the gaping doorway.
The damp chill increased inside the walls, introducing a slightly creepy factor. “Sean?” Her voice echoing in the space didn’t help. Maybe she should return to the warm fuzzies outside? Then a light beam appeared in the far doorway, sweeping rapidly across the ground to find her eyes. Ouch.
“Meghan?”
Relief rushed over her as she heard Sean’s voice, but her mortification returned too. She swallowed it down. He deserved an explanation for leaving him without a word, naked and needy.
“Hey.”
Wow—dynamic opening.
His steps were quiet across the grass that had taken over the inner floor. “Sorry, girlie. I didn’t think you’d be looking for me.”
Oh, I wouldn’t if my conscience would let me avoid it. “Were you meeting someone?"
“No. Just revisiting old memories.”
Glancing around at the stone walls, strong despite their crumbling mortar, she could see how this would be the perfect place for reminiscing. She shifted, not sure where to start. Couldn’t they just return to the mindless need of the early morning? That she could handle. When she had to think about things, not so much. She always said the wrong thing. Or other people seemed to think so.
“This is a cool place,” she said, glancing around the gloom. She could just make out a narrow staircase and a doorway leading into more rooms.
“Yes,” Sean said, his voice way more relaxed than she felt. “It was a crackin’ stage for games when Kieran and I were kids. We played here a lot.” The flashlight beam swept the interior, revealing age against the classic beauty. “Great relief from the orders and arguments waiting for us at the big house. And later, lots of privacy for meeting girls.”
from Striking a Chord, Book 3
As you can tell, these bad boys love to heat things up and keep life cool. I hope you'll consider joining them for an adventure! Speaking of, what's your favorite way to enjoy some summer fun? One lucky commenter will win a copy of Backstage Pass Books 1 & 2, Finding Her Rhythm & Settling the Score, on Sunday.
If you'd like to keep up to date on my book releases and cool happenings, please join my newsletter group here! And don't forget to check out the other blogs in the hop at www.justromance.me!
Sean and the newest Backstage Pass book, Striking a Chord, are making an appearance on the True Story Book Blog today! Drop by and say hello!
Every day, I work on stories of couples that forge over mountains and crawl out of valleys to find their Happily Ever Afters. Yes, there’s some fun and sex along the way, but these men and women end up working hard to stay together…forever.
And every day, I live my own Happily Ever After. Its just as messy, hard, fun, and sexy as my books (at least I think so). I’m one of the lucky ones. My husband and I both have our faults, but this week we will celebrate 19 years of forever together, and the commitment we spoke to each other when we were barely more than kids still stands strong. For both of us.
My husband was a romantic young man, and he’s still as romantic, just in a different way. Then he brought me flowers, set up special dates, and said things to me that made me feel wonderful. Now he puts the kids to bed so I can have a few minutes to myself, learns all the ways he can help support me in my career as an author, and still says sweet, sexy things that make me feel wonderful. He spends his vacations keeping the kids so I can go to conferences. Does our laundry, and even occasionally washes dishes (even though he hates dishes).
So my hero may be killing dust bunnies rather than stalkers, but he’s still a hero! The hero for me!
Nineteen years ago, I wasn’t thinking about what our lives would look like in 20 years, but he has certainly stood the test of time!
Dani
*Photo used courtesy of WikiCommons
And every day, I live my own Happily Ever After. Its just as messy, hard, fun, and sexy as my books (at least I think so). I’m one of the lucky ones. My husband and I both have our faults, but this week we will celebrate 19 years of forever together, and the commitment we spoke to each other when we were barely more than kids still stands strong. For both of us.
My husband was a romantic young man, and he’s still as romantic, just in a different way. Then he brought me flowers, set up special dates, and said things to me that made me feel wonderful. Now he puts the kids to bed so I can have a few minutes to myself, learns all the ways he can help support me in my career as an author, and still says sweet, sexy things that make me feel wonderful. He spends his vacations keeping the kids so I can go to conferences. Does our laundry, and even occasionally washes dishes (even though he hates dishes).
So my hero may be killing dust bunnies rather than stalkers, but he’s still a hero! The hero for me!
Nineteen years ago, I wasn’t thinking about what our lives would look like in 20 years, but he has certainly stood the test of time!
Dani
*Photo used courtesy of WikiCommons
There’s nothing an author enjoys more than celebrating a new release with readers. Except celebrating TWO new releases!
Here’s a peek into Sean and Meghan’s story:
Success as a US rock star is payback to Irish drummer Sean Rosslair, whose father insisted music was a waste. Now Sean just needs to see the body to go with the smokin’ sexy voice of his new assistant, and his world will feel complete. But she ends up being the very woman he should never have.
Anxious to do a good deed, Meghan finally exposes her plus-size presence to her boss. Only he doesn’t react the way she expects—to her body or his brother. She takes her punishment for her white lie well—too well. Meghan can’t refrain from begging her boss for another spanking…but can she let go enough to embrace romance with a rockstar?
Can Sean teach Meghan his erotic secrets before a hidden enemy puts him out of commission—permanently?
Hot, hot, hot! And just in time for all that reading you’ll be doing this holiday weekend. Even better? Striking a Chord is only 99 cents through Monday! Grab your copy on Amazon.
Let's get on with the DANCE PARTY! What better way to introduce a rock star's book, huh? I’m sharing the songs that inspired me as I wrote Sean and Meghan’s story. When you’ve danced yourself silly and commented to enter the contest, run on over to Ella’s blog and party with some more awesome music.
* * *
Striking a Chord takes the Backstage Pass series international with its setting in Ireland. What could be sexier than being forced to stay in an old Manor house in the Irish countryside with a 100% Irish bad boy? Nothing that I know of…
Inspiration wasn’t in short supply—I plotted this book while on a trip to Ireland, Wales, and London. Everywhere I turned were castle ruins, stately manor houses, and some yummy, yummy eye candy! But once I was home, I really needed music to help the writing continue to flow.
I found the perfect soundtrack with an international flair in Goo Goo Dolls Magnetic. Sean is a whole hog rebel! He started doing his own thing in his teens and hasn’t looked back. Meghan’s more of a rebel-in-training, and Sean’s the perfect teacher.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUi8gQPsMdw?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
One taste and he can’t get enough of her curvy body or intrepid spirit. He aches to teach her the key to setting her sensuality free.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlDAq56viD0?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Meghan grew up in an uber-religious community. A single fall from grace and now everyone is watching to see if her journey away from her home town leads her ‘down the path to sin’. Sean sees the pain in Meghan’s heart and aches to erase the wounds inflicted by others. As she embraces her true self, she sets aside judgment and lets her own wild side come alive. And her redemption just might show Sean a few things he's never let himself see before.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI7mKUqidhg?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
I hope you’ll join me in celebrating my Irish drummer! What’s a celebration without prizes? Ella and I have a joint giveaway. To enter, simply leave a comment on both my blog and hers, telling us your favorite party song. Your comment enters you in the giveaway. A comment on both blogs enters you TWICE. Like me on FACEBOOK or SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER and get a THIRD entry.
Thank you so much for joining us for our Double Release Day! Its not really a party all by myself. But with friends? It’s Double the Fun!
Dani
Oh, 1 more thing—if you’ve never read mine or Ella’s books, I’ve got another great way for you to win! We have an interview today on Nice Girls Writing Naughty Readers Group where we’re talking twins, hotties, and of course, prizes! One lucky commenter will win the first books in BOTH the Secrets and Backstage Pass series. So check that out too!
Today its Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun, and DOUBLE THE PRIZES! Because my twin, Ella Sheridan and I, have Double Releases. Today, Striking a Chord, Backstage Pass Book 3, hits the virtual shelves. Ella’s novella Just a Little More also releases today! So its time to PARTY!
In honor of sharing a release day (and a womb for 9 months!), we’re having a release day party and giveaway – a $30 gift card to Amazon or B&N PLUS copies of the first book in my Secrets series and Dani’s Backstage Pass series. We’re talking serious hottie goodness here, people! Be sure to check out the giveaway at the end of both our blogs. And remember, the more you participate – on my blog and Ella’s – the more entries you get to the giveaway. * * *
Here’s a peek into Sean and Meghan’s story:
Success as a US rock star is payback to Irish drummer Sean Rosslair, whose father insisted music was a waste. Now Sean just needs to see the body to go with the smokin’ sexy voice of his new assistant, and his world will feel complete. But she ends up being the very woman he should never have.
Anxious to do a good deed, Meghan finally exposes her plus-size presence to her boss. Only he doesn’t react the way she expects—to her body or his brother. She takes her punishment for her white lie well—too well. Meghan can’t refrain from begging her boss for another spanking…but can she let go enough to embrace romance with a rockstar?
Can Sean teach Meghan his erotic secrets before a hidden enemy puts him out of commission—permanently?
Hot, hot, hot! And just in time for all that reading you’ll be doing this holiday weekend. Even better? Striking a Chord is only 99 cents through Monday! Grab your copy on Amazon.
Let's get on with the DANCE PARTY! What better way to introduce a rock star's book, huh? I’m sharing the songs that inspired me as I wrote Sean and Meghan’s story. When you’ve danced yourself silly and commented to enter the contest, run on over to Ella’s blog and party with some more awesome music.
* * *
Striking a Chord takes the Backstage Pass series international with its setting in Ireland. What could be sexier than being forced to stay in an old Manor house in the Irish countryside with a 100% Irish bad boy? Nothing that I know of…
Inspiration wasn’t in short supply—I plotted this book while on a trip to Ireland, Wales, and London. Everywhere I turned were castle ruins, stately manor houses, and some yummy, yummy eye candy! But once I was home, I really needed music to help the writing continue to flow.
I found the perfect soundtrack with an international flair in Goo Goo Dolls Magnetic. Sean is a whole hog rebel! He started doing his own thing in his teens and hasn’t looked back. Meghan’s more of a rebel-in-training, and Sean’s the perfect teacher.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUi8gQPsMdw?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
One taste and he can’t get enough of her curvy body or intrepid spirit. He aches to teach her the key to setting her sensuality free.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlDAq56viD0?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Meghan grew up in an uber-religious community. A single fall from grace and now everyone is watching to see if her journey away from her home town leads her ‘down the path to sin’. Sean sees the pain in Meghan’s heart and aches to erase the wounds inflicted by others. As she embraces her true self, she sets aside judgment and lets her own wild side come alive. And her redemption just might show Sean a few things he's never let himself see before.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI7mKUqidhg?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
I hope you’ll join me in celebrating my Irish drummer! What’s a celebration without prizes? Ella and I have a joint giveaway. To enter, simply leave a comment on both my blog and hers, telling us your favorite party song. Your comment enters you in the giveaway. A comment on both blogs enters you TWICE. Like me on FACEBOOK or SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER and get a THIRD entry.
Thank you so much for joining us for our Double Release Day! Its not really a party all by myself. But with friends? It’s Double the Fun!
Dani
Oh, 1 more thing—if you’ve never read mine or Ella’s books, I’ve got another great way for you to win! We have an interview today on Nice Girls Writing Naughty Readers Group where we’re talking twins, hotties, and of course, prizes! One lucky commenter will win the first books in BOTH the Secrets and Backstage Pass series. So check that out too!
I'm so excited about the next installment of my Backstage Pass series! This book is very special to me, as Sean Rosslair was the first band member to speak to me after the Korvello brothers. A large portion of this book also takes place in Ireland, a country I was privileged to visit while writing this book. That very rarely happens for an author, and I found it incredibly exciting!
[caption id="attachment_592" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani at St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_593" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani with Ella Sheridan in Killarney Pub for my first cider[/caption]
To add to the pleasure, my incredible cover artist Elizabeth Wallace, created a cover I absolutely love! I hope you'll love it to. Here's the cover for Striking a Chord, Backstage Pass Book 3, which will release on July 2nd!
Success as a US rock star is payback to Irish drummer Sean Rosslair, whose father insisted music was a waste. Now Sean just needs to see the body to go with the smokin’ sexy voice of his new assistant, and his world will feel complete. But she ends up being the very woman he should never have.
Anxious to do a good deed, Meghan finally exposes her plus-size presence to her boss. Only he doesn’t react the way she expects—to her body or his brother. She takes her punishment for her white lie well—too well. Meghan can’t refrain from begging her boss for another spanking…but can she let go enough to embrace romance with a rock star?
Can Sean teach Meghan his erotic secrets before a hidden enemy puts him out of commission—permanently?
Subscribers to my newsletter will receive an exclusive sneak peek next weekend, along with a special Double Scoop winner! Sign up by Friday to be eligible to win.
And don't forget the first 2 Backstage Pass novels: Finding Her Rhythm and Settling the Score.
Dani at St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_593" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani with Ella Sheridan in Killarney Pub for my first cider[/caption]
To add to the pleasure, my incredible cover artist Elizabeth Wallace, created a cover I absolutely love! I hope you'll love it to. Here's the cover for Striking a Chord, Backstage Pass Book 3, which will release on July 2nd!
Success as a US rock star is payback to Irish drummer Sean Rosslair, whose father insisted music was a waste. Now Sean just needs to see the body to go with the smokin’ sexy voice of his new assistant, and his world will feel complete. But she ends up being the very woman he should never have.
Anxious to do a good deed, Meghan finally exposes her plus-size presence to her boss. Only he doesn’t react the way she expects—to her body or his brother. She takes her punishment for her white lie well—too well. Meghan can’t refrain from begging her boss for another spanking…but can she let go enough to embrace romance with a rock star?
Can Sean teach Meghan his erotic secrets before a hidden enemy puts him out of commission—permanently?
Subscribers to my newsletter will receive an exclusive sneak peek next weekend, along with a special Double Scoop winner! Sign up by Friday to be eligible to win.
And don't forget the first 2 Backstage Pass novels: Finding Her Rhythm and Settling the Score.