It’s almost time! Goin’ Out Solo, Backstage Pass Bk 4, is about to go up for pre-order—but there’s a very special chance for you to read it and all my other books early! Check it out!
I’m offering a few select readers the chance to read these books early! I have my very own Advanced Review Team, and I’d love for you to be a part. That means you’d get the chance to read my upcoming books BEFORE RELEASE DAY! All I ask is that you leave an honest review of the book on Amazon (and any other review sites you frequent) on the actual release day.
Does the thought of free books pique your interest?
Well, here’s what you do:
Only newsletter members are eligible for this special opportunity. I assume if you’re interested in my books, you’re interested in information on upcoming releases and events. Newsletter members only receive an email every 4 to 6 weeks, so no spamming. (P.S. Joining my newsletter means getting a FREE novella too—SNOW BOUND, part of my Small Town Secrets series.)
I’m offering a few select readers the chance to read these books early! I have my very own Advanced Review Team, and I’d love for you to be a part. That means you’d get the chance to read my upcoming books BEFORE RELEASE DAY! All I ask is that you leave an honest review of the book on Amazon (and any other review sites you frequent) on the actual release day.
Does the thought of free books pique your interest?
Well, here’s what you do:
- Sign up for my newsletter (if you haven’t already).
Only newsletter members are eligible for this special opportunity. I assume if you’re interested in my books, you’re interested in information on upcoming releases and events. Newsletter members only receive an email every 4 to 6 weeks, so no spamming. (P.S. Joining my newsletter means getting a FREE novella too—SNOW BOUND, part of my Small Town Secrets series.)
- Then send an email to readdaniwade (at) gmail.com with the subject: Advance Reading Team.
- I will send out an email when a new release is scheduled.
- I’ll send an ARC of the book approximately 2-3 weeks before the release day.
- You get to read it! Yay!
- I’ll send you a final email the day before the book releases. This is a reminder e-mail to let you know your review should be posted to Amazon and any other e-book retailers or sites you feel comfortable posting to (Goodreads, B&N, etc.), on one of the following 5 days. You can even write it ahead of time and have it ready to copy and paste on release day.
- ART members may also get exclusive access to some content or special surprises. You’ll have to join to see…
I'm working with my cover artist, Elizabeth Wallace, on a few projects right now. First, a new cover for Snow Bound, so it matches the rest of the Small Town Secrets series. Also a cover for Nate and Sarah's book, now titled Goin' Out Solo.
I have a confession. I'm a little uptight about my covers. I like to pick the photos myself. It's such a tough job! Screen after screen of this...
and this...
Such a hardship!
Cool, huh?
Dani
and this...
Such a hardship!
Are you a connoisseur of man candy? Do you, like me, click L I KE on all the hot hunky pics on Facebook? Have you seen a picture that you would love to see as a cover? Posted it in the comments and let's share the joy. But first, Snow Bound's new cover!!! Yay!!
Cool, huh?
Dani
Welcome to my version of My Sexy Saturday's Sexy Me Down blogs! I knew Emma and Colin were perfect for this week...I hope you agree! Enjoy this excerpt from BENEATH THE SURFACE, Small Town Secrets, Book 1.
“Emma,” he breathed, the word almost a groan. He moved as if to reach for her but then dropped back, sliding his hands into the hip pockets of his jeans. “Emma, you have every right to hate me. I can’t tell you how many nights I lay awake, kicking myself because I left you like that. I made a stupid mistake, based on youth and wrong assumptions. If I could take it back, change it, I would.”
“Why?” she asked, surprised at the words coming out of her mouth. But the injustice of his actions, her own hurt and pain, pushed her forward. “Why did you do it?”
He didn’t pretend not to understand. As he spoke, the heaviness of that night hit her hard.
“I made a mistake, Emma. A mistake I’ve been sorry for every day since then. I wish I had walked right in and beat the hell out of all of them. Instead I turned my back on you. Not for long, but a lot could have happened before I walked back in that door. A lot did happen.”
As if she were back at that time, she saw the boys surrounding her. Five of them, all grown to man size without the maturity to match. She’d thought she was going to a party, a party she’d been told Colin would be attending. Instead the party had actually been a private one, where a group of boys expected to get something a lot deeper than dancing and a few drinks. When she’d realized what they were after, she’d been appalled. Fear had quickly set in when they’d made it clear they expected her to follow through.
Colin’s appearance had been a welcome relief, but he’d taken one look at her in the short skirt and skimpy top her sister had loaned her and turned away in disgust.
Her voice came out a husky whisper. “You came back?”
Available at: Barnes & Noble Amazon
Add it to your To Be Read shelf on Goodreads!
Sign up for my author newsletter for news, upcoming releases, contests, AND a free novella, SNOW BOUND (which happens to be part of the Small Town Secrets series too!)! Join today!
DON'T FORGET to find more delicious sexy goodness on the other My Sexy Saturday blogs! Click here for the list.
“Emma,” he breathed, the word almost a groan. He moved as if to reach for her but then dropped back, sliding his hands into the hip pockets of his jeans. “Emma, you have every right to hate me. I can’t tell you how many nights I lay awake, kicking myself because I left you like that. I made a stupid mistake, based on youth and wrong assumptions. If I could take it back, change it, I would.”
“Why?” she asked, surprised at the words coming out of her mouth. But the injustice of his actions, her own hurt and pain, pushed her forward. “Why did you do it?”
He didn’t pretend not to understand. As he spoke, the heaviness of that night hit her hard.
“I made a mistake, Emma. A mistake I’ve been sorry for every day since then. I wish I had walked right in and beat the hell out of all of them. Instead I turned my back on you. Not for long, but a lot could have happened before I walked back in that door. A lot did happen.”
As if she were back at that time, she saw the boys surrounding her. Five of them, all grown to man size without the maturity to match. She’d thought she was going to a party, a party she’d been told Colin would be attending. Instead the party had actually been a private one, where a group of boys expected to get something a lot deeper than dancing and a few drinks. When she’d realized what they were after, she’d been appalled. Fear had quickly set in when they’d made it clear they expected her to follow through.
Colin’s appearance had been a welcome relief, but he’d taken one look at her in the short skirt and skimpy top her sister had loaned her and turned away in disgust.
Her voice came out a husky whisper. “You came back?”
Available at: Barnes & Noble Amazon
Add it to your To Be Read shelf on Goodreads!
Sign up for my author newsletter for news, upcoming releases, contests, AND a free novella, SNOW BOUND (which happens to be part of the Small Town Secrets series too!)! Join today!
DON'T FORGET to find more delicious sexy goodness on the other My Sexy Saturday blogs! Click here for the list.
We have some unusual weather here in the southern US recently. Our winter storms usually consist of 1 to 2 inches of snow that shut the city roads down for a day or so. This past week we got 8 inches of snow! Once it started coming down, roads were impassable in about an hour. Schools closed – even my evil day job closed (which never happens).
Was I excited? Yes! About the snow? Well, it was pretty, so yes. But I was more excited about the time off.
Now, I know moms and dads in different circumstances weren’t as happy. My hubby, who has days off during the week, wasn't nearly as thrilled about more time spent with family. Poor thing, he's born the brunt of bad weather and sick children lately. But to me, the snow days were a gift. Here's why:
1. First and foremost, I hate driving in bad conditions. Closing everything down removes the worry that I would miss any more work because I was afraid to drive on the snowy roads. Not good, for my nerves, or for surrounding vehicles. (Aside rant: People who complain about Southerners not driving in snow should be thanking their lucky stars instead! Do they really want to be on the icy roads with someone that inexperienced and scared?)
2. I get some unexpected SPACE to play with my writing. Whether it's catching up on words or just thinking, brainstorming, I can do it. Without guilt. Guilt comes in all forms and from all sources – evil day job, kids, hubby, family, etc. even from a dirty house.
3. It serves as a reminder to do fun things with my kids. We don't do a lot of “playing”. Most days, I work; they play. But with this unhindered time, I do extra things like take a long walk in the snow with my daughter, or build a horrible rendition of a snowman with my family.
[caption id="attachment_1029" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
It's a Reader Snowman![/caption]
That's just a few of my southern writerly thoughts on Snow Days. What about you? Yay! Or boo!
Dani
Now, I know moms and dads in different circumstances weren’t as happy. My hubby, who has days off during the week, wasn't nearly as thrilled about more time spent with family. Poor thing, he's born the brunt of bad weather and sick children lately. But to me, the snow days were a gift. Here's why:
1. First and foremost, I hate driving in bad conditions. Closing everything down removes the worry that I would miss any more work because I was afraid to drive on the snowy roads. Not good, for my nerves, or for surrounding vehicles. (Aside rant: People who complain about Southerners not driving in snow should be thanking their lucky stars instead! Do they really want to be on the icy roads with someone that inexperienced and scared?)
2. I get some unexpected SPACE to play with my writing. Whether it's catching up on words or just thinking, brainstorming, I can do it. Without guilt. Guilt comes in all forms and from all sources – evil day job, kids, hubby, family, etc. even from a dirty house.
3. It serves as a reminder to do fun things with my kids. We don't do a lot of “playing”. Most days, I work; they play. But with this unhindered time, I do extra things like take a long walk in the snow with my daughter, or build a horrible rendition of a snowman with my family.
[caption id="attachment_1029" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
It's a Reader Snowman![/caption]
That's just a few of my southern writerly thoughts on Snow Days. What about you? Yay! Or boo!
Dani
What better fantasy to spice up the season than spending it with your favorite book boyfriend? The Nice Girls Writing Naughty Hunky Holidays Blog Hop lets you do just that!
Today I’m visiting with a couple of my heroes to see how they are celebrating this holiday season.
Colin McIntyre, Beneath the Surface
I know exactly what Colin will be doing for the holidays! He’ll close Bailey’s for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and spend some quality time cooking with his favorite women—his grandmother, sisters, new niece, and Emma.
Christmas morning will involve a nice lie-in, but not exactly for sleep. *wink* After all, Emma is the best present he’s ever gotten. Then Christmas brunch with his family, Emma, Amy, and Bob.
Damon West, Snow Bound
Damon is praying for another winter blizzard to hit southern Tennessee this year! He’d like nothing more than a repeat of his last snowy escapade with Tori—minus the crazy stalker ex.
Have I mentioned that Damon is free? His novella, that is, when you join my newsletter!
What’s your favorite Christmas activity with your sexy sidekick? Share for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Also comment on at least 5 blogs to qualify to win the Hunky Holidays grand prize of a $50 gift card and selection of hostess Tina Christopher's books!
Visit the rest of the Nice Girls Hunky Heroes Blog Hop here for more chances to win.
Christmas morning will involve a nice lie-in, but not exactly for sleep. *wink* After all, Emma is the best present he’s ever gotten. Then Christmas brunch with his family, Emma, Amy, and Bob.
Damon West, Snow Bound
Damon is praying for another winter blizzard to hit southern Tennessee this year! He’d like nothing more than a repeat of his last snowy escapade with Tori—minus the crazy stalker ex.
Have I mentioned that Damon is free? His novella, that is, when you join my newsletter!
What’s your favorite Christmas activity with your sexy sidekick? Share for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Also comment on at least 5 blogs to qualify to win the Hunky Holidays grand prize of a $50 gift card and selection of hostess Tina Christopher's books!
Visit the rest of the Nice Girls Hunky Heroes Blog Hop here for more chances to win.
Over the next few months, some very exciting things are happening. I’ve got 3 book releases in the next 4 months, and several more next year. I’m overwhelmed at the thought of experiencing all of this with my readers, and I want you to have the chance to share in this excitement with me!
I’m offering a few select readers the chance to read these books early! I’m starting my very own Advanced Review Team, and I’d love for you to be a part. That means you’d get the chance to read my upcoming books BEFORE RELEASE DAY! All I ask is that you leave an honest review of the book on Amazon on the actual release day.
Does the thought of free books pique your interest?
Well, here’s what you do:
Does the thought of free books pique your interest?
Well, here’s what you do:
- Sign up for my newsletter (if you haven’t already).
- Then send an email to readdaniwade (at) gmail.com with the subject: Advance Reading Team.
- I will send out an email when a new release is scheduled.
- I’ll send an ARC of the book approximately 2-3 weeks before the release day.
- You get to read it! Yay!
- I’ll send you a final email the day before the book releases. This is a reminder e-mail to let you know your review should be posted to Amazon and any other e-book retailers or sites you feel comfortable posting to (Goodreads, B&N, ARE, etc.), on the following day. You can even write it ahead of time and have it ready to copy and paste on release day.
- ART members may also get exclusive access to some content or special surprises. You’ll have to join to see…
I'm celebrating the commencement of the holidays today, with romance authors and bloggers during the Romance Troupe's Home for the Holidays blog hop. And what makes the holidays homey and memorable for all of us? The FOOD!
I love cooking for the holidays, seeing my family and friends enjoy things that I've made. I give away goodies for gifts (men especially like this) and look forward to holiday parties that give me a reason to cook. Now the clean-up... that's something I never look forward to!
So I thought I'd share this super easy, low mess, divine chocolate flourless cake recipe. A co-worker, who has to eat gluten free, made it for a department party. It tastes like chocolate melting on your tongue. Best of all? It can be made ahead of time and stored or frozen. I hope it makes your holiday season easy and enjoyable!
Flourless Chocolate Cake
4 oz. fine quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Powdered sugar for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Flour and butter an 8 inch round baking pan. Line the bottom of pan with a round of wax paper; butter paper. Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt chocolate with butter. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add sugar and whisk. Add eggs and whisk again. Sift cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.
Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven for 25 minutes. The top should form a thin crust and cake will puff. Be careful not to overcook. Cool the cake on a rack for 5 minutes before removing. Cake will deflate as it cools.
Serving options: Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a simple dressing. Serve with whipped cream and your favorite berries to dress it up. Serve with ice cream or sorbet for a cool treat.
Note: Once cake cools, it will keep for a week in an airtight container. It will also freeze well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in refrigerator and serve at room temperature.
In honor of the cooler weather, here's a wintery sneak peek:
Feeling the situation had gotten way too serious, he paused beside the bed before launching her into the air. Her squeal echoed around the room as she landed and bounced, the fluffy blankets jumping under the impact. Now that made for some interesting shimmies. He couldn’t help but grin as she burst into laughter. Then his eyes narrowed on the now empty expanse around her.
Empty except for one thing.
“What’s this?”
Her look was confused until she saw the direction of his gaze. With a cry she reached across for the nearest blanket and jerked it toward her, probably to cover it up, but— Too late. He’d already seen it.
“Since when does a pretty princess like you need a vibrator?”
Hand fishing under the blanket, he pulled out a soft gel vibrator. Pink, of course.
“Give me that,” she said, grabbing for the toy, only to come up with empty air.
Damon held it higher, the transparent soft gel allowing him to see the candle on the dresser through its pink surface. A silver, cylindrical motor provided a hard core. “Very nice, Princess.”
“Please, please give it back.”
He turned his gaze from the little toy to the woman who was giving him more surprises than a night out with his army buddies. “Why? I think you’ll have more fun if I’m at the wheel.”
For once Miss Priss had nothing to say. No pithy comeback, no sarcastic put-down, no prim comments. Simply a gaping mouth and wide eyes, as if she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard come out of his mouth. So he set out to prove himself right.
I love cooking for the holidays, seeing my family and friends enjoy things that I've made. I give away goodies for gifts (men especially like this) and look forward to holiday parties that give me a reason to cook. Now the clean-up... that's something I never look forward to!
So I thought I'd share this super easy, low mess, divine chocolate flourless cake recipe. A co-worker, who has to eat gluten free, made it for a department party. It tastes like chocolate melting on your tongue. Best of all? It can be made ahead of time and stored or frozen. I hope it makes your holiday season easy and enjoyable!
Flourless Chocolate Cake
4 oz. fine quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Powdered sugar for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Flour and butter an 8 inch round baking pan. Line the bottom of pan with a round of wax paper; butter paper. Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt chocolate with butter. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add sugar and whisk. Add eggs and whisk again. Sift cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.
Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven for 25 minutes. The top should form a thin crust and cake will puff. Be careful not to overcook. Cool the cake on a rack for 5 minutes before removing. Cake will deflate as it cools.
Serving options: Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a simple dressing. Serve with whipped cream and your favorite berries to dress it up. Serve with ice cream or sorbet for a cool treat.
Note: Once cake cools, it will keep for a week in an airtight container. It will also freeze well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in refrigerator and serve at room temperature.
In honor of the cooler weather, here's a wintery sneak peek:
Snow Bound by Dani Wade
Feeling the situation had gotten way too serious, he paused beside the bed before launching her into the air. Her squeal echoed around the room as she landed and bounced, the fluffy blankets jumping under the impact. Now that made for some interesting shimmies. He couldn’t help but grin as she burst into laughter. Then his eyes narrowed on the now empty expanse around her.
Empty except for one thing.
“What’s this?”
Her look was confused until she saw the direction of his gaze. With a cry she reached across for the nearest blanket and jerked it toward her, probably to cover it up, but— Too late. He’d already seen it.
“Since when does a pretty princess like you need a vibrator?”
Hand fishing under the blanket, he pulled out a soft gel vibrator. Pink, of course.
“Give me that,” she said, grabbing for the toy, only to come up with empty air.
Damon held it higher, the transparent soft gel allowing him to see the candle on the dresser through its pink surface. A silver, cylindrical motor provided a hard core. “Very nice, Princess.”
“Please, please give it back.”
He turned his gaze from the little toy to the woman who was giving him more surprises than a night out with his army buddies. “Why? I think you’ll have more fun if I’m at the wheel.”
For once Miss Priss had nothing to say. No pithy comeback, no sarcastic put-down, no prim comments. Simply a gaping mouth and wide eyes, as if she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard come out of his mouth. So he set out to prove himself right.
Snow Bound is only 99 cents at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
One lucky commenter will win a $10 gift card from Amazon or Barnes & Noble for some holiday shopping! Simply share your favorite holiday dessert with us (and recipe, if you want). Sign up for my newsletter and get a second chance at the prize! (Please include your email address to win!) Enjoy!
And There's More: each comment with email address will be entered in the Grand Prize Giveaway from The Romance Troupe. (First Prize = $450+ Gift Card) (Second Prize = 1 eBook from each participating Author) So comment for a chance to win big!!!
Check out more Home for the Holiday recipes at The Romance Troupe Home for the Holidays blog hop list!
For those who might like a little cool during the summer heat...
From Snow Bound:
With a sudden snap, the room went dark.
The transition from softly lit home office to the pitch-black that can only occur living in the back of beyond took a little adjustment for Damon, but before his eyes cleared of squiggles and colored lights, he had his oversized flashlight palmed and on. Like his eyes, he let the rest of his body adjust to the new circumstances, which he’d been anticipating since heavy snow started coming down a couple of hours ago.
Now instead of the croon of Toby Keith, he was left with utter stillness and the sound of the wind rushing against the eaves outside. The kick of his heartbeat after the surprise had automatically slowed, just as he’d done all the years he’d served his country in combat situations that required steady hands and complete focus.
Though a strong snowstorm in the middle of February might not be a big deal for most parts of the country, the southern Tennessee valley was looking at complete and total shutdown for the next few days if they received the five inches the weatherman had been predicting since the day before. People here simply weren’t equipped or experienced with this kind of weather, which led to scary driving scenarios and a mad rush on the local Piggly Wiggly. Luckily Damon had managed to grab enough beer and chips to get him through, despite the little white-haired lady that had stared him down over the last bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos. Like a true Texas gentleman, he’d conceded and settled for Cool Ranch instead.
Snow Bound is only 99 cents for the Labor Day weekend! Find it on Amazon and B&N!!!
Check out more My Sexy Saturday posts HERE!
As I pondered what to share with my readers this Monday, which here in the United States is a Memorial Day holiday where we honor our military men and women for their service past and present, I was reminded of a Facebook post I read on the London military serviceman slaughtered in a terrorist attack there last week. The poster called the man a hero, but was argued with by a commenter who claimed military personnel didn't want to be called heroes. Yet that term is used all the time by civilians and even their own superiors as they recognize these men and women's sacrifices.
So what are heroes, really?
This is a term that's become commonplace to me and other romance writers because its the designation we use for our protagonists. Heroes and heroines are our main characters and we refer to them as such even after they have their own names. We use it in plotting, discussions, classes, and even advertisements (hunky hero pics, anyone?).
But I think, at its core, the meaning of the title "hero" is the same. Far from the sexy man cliche, truly formed, well-written romance heroes are men willing to risk everything to be with and protect those they love. Sometimes they may risk their lives, but other times they may be risking lifelong beliefs and behaviors that have been at the core of their existences, putting their emotional lives on the line for something more powerful than themselves.
Here in the US, our military personnel, law enforcement, rescue and medical personnel put themselves at risk every day -- for what? Low pay, continually dwindling benefits, and often times a country that doesn't seem to value what they risk on their jobs. No, I firmly believe most of them show up because they believe in what they're doing and believe its worth the risk. Whether they ever take a bullet is irrelevant. Risking themselves (health, life, family) for something they believe in is heroic.
I have friends in law enforcement, uncles and a father who served in the military, and have lived long-term in 2 military towns. None of those close to me have died in the line of duty, but I still consider their service to our towns and our country heroic.
And isn't the fact that they don't consider themselves heroes make them that much more so in our eyes?
Share with us what hero you want to honor today!
Dani
So what are heroes, really?
This is a term that's become commonplace to me and other romance writers because its the designation we use for our protagonists. Heroes and heroines are our main characters and we refer to them as such even after they have their own names. We use it in plotting, discussions, classes, and even advertisements (hunky hero pics, anyone?).
But I think, at its core, the meaning of the title "hero" is the same. Far from the sexy man cliche, truly formed, well-written romance heroes are men willing to risk everything to be with and protect those they love. Sometimes they may risk their lives, but other times they may be risking lifelong beliefs and behaviors that have been at the core of their existences, putting their emotional lives on the line for something more powerful than themselves.
Here in the US, our military personnel, law enforcement, rescue and medical personnel put themselves at risk every day -- for what? Low pay, continually dwindling benefits, and often times a country that doesn't seem to value what they risk on their jobs. No, I firmly believe most of them show up because they believe in what they're doing and believe its worth the risk. Whether they ever take a bullet is irrelevant. Risking themselves (health, life, family) for something they believe in is heroic.
I have friends in law enforcement, uncles and a father who served in the military, and have lived long-term in 2 military towns. None of those close to me have died in the line of duty, but I still consider their service to our towns and our country heroic.
And isn't the fact that they don't consider themselves heroes make them that much more so in our eyes?
Share with us what hero you want to honor today!
Dani
I'm a busy woman! Somehow I managed to book myself in 2 places on 1 day. How'd that happen?
But I know you'll love these blogs (and I could use all the comment-love I can get)! So join me as I visit these fabulous blogs:
I'm sharing my First Call story with the Pink Heart Society Blog: www.pinkheartsociety.blogspot.com
And I'm an Author Spotlight on Anne Lange's blog: http://authorannelange.com/2013/04/24/author-spotlight-dani-wade/