Romantic Quote Thursday

Love cures people, both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.
- Dr. Karl Enage

The Hob (The Gray Court) #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

Book: The Hob (The Gray Court)


By: Dana Marie Bell

Release Date: January 22, 2013

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd


From Amazon:

Robin Goodfellow has met his match.

The Gray Court, Book 4

When the Black Queen kidnaps one of the White Queen’s nephews, Robin Goodfellow is sent to ensure that the young prince safely returns to the bosom of his family. True to his role as Oberon’s Hobgoblin, he is ready for anything…except meeting his truebond, the very delicious, very human Michaela Exton.

Michaela has dreamed about a flame-haired rogue named Robin Goodfellow since she was a little girl, but everyone knows Puck doesn’t really exist. In real life, it’s a dark-eyed man named Ringo who makes her heart beat faster.

She is closer to her dream man than she thinks, and nobody knows it better than Robin, who wears the guise of Ringo. But there’s competition for her love in the form of Lord Raven, who holds a secret that will rock the foundation of Robin’s world. As a Black Court delegate does the unthinkable, leaving an enraged, grief-stricken Robin hanging onto his humanity by a thread, only Michaela has the power to bring him back from the killing edge—if she survives.

Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, Robin Goodfellow and… Really. Do I need to say any more?

What books are you waiting on?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder

I wish health, happiness and love for all. Happy Holidays.

Romantic Quote Thursday

True love begins when nothing is looked for in return.
- Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Leopard's Prey (A Leopard Novel) #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Leopard's Prey (A Leopard Novel)

By Christine Feehan

Release Date: May 28, 2013

Publisher: Jove


From Christine Feehan's Website:

#1 New York Times bestselling author "Christine Feehan knows how to weave a tale of action, suspense and paranormal passion" (Romance Junkies). Now, she’s back -- and the New Orleans nights have never felt so torrid or so dangerous...

From a tough stint in the armed forces to stalking the unknown as a bayou cop, leopard-shifter Remy Boudreux has been served well by his uncanny gifts. And right now, New Orleans could use a homicide detective like Remy.

A serial killer is loose, snatching victims from the French Quarter with pitiless rage and unnatural efficiency. But something else is drawing Remy into the twilight -- a beautiful jazz singer bathed night after night in a flood of blood-red neon.

Sultry, mysterious, and as seductive as her songs, she’s luring Remy deeper into the shadows than he ever imagined. And as their passions swell, his keen instinct for survival will be challenged like never before. By a killer -- and by a woman.

Romantic Quote Thursday

Truly loving another means letting go of all expectations. It means full acceptance, even celebration of another's personhood.
- Karen Casey

Edge of Dawn (A Midnight Breed Novel) #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Edge of Dawn: A Midnight Breed Novel

By Lara Adrian

Release Date: February 26, 2013

Publisher: Delacorte Press


From Amazon:

In this pulse-pounding and thrillingly sensual novel, New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the mesmerizing world of the Midnight Breed, following new characters into a dark future where an uneasy peace can unravel into war—and a great betrayal can mask an all-consuming love.

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.

Romantic Quote Thursday

It is better to have loved and lost than never to have lost at all.
- Samuel Butler

My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues) #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

Book: My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues)

By Alexandra Ivy

Release Date: December 24, 2012

Publisher: Zebra Books


From Amazon:

In this mesmerizing tale from the author of the Guardians of Eternity series, a traitorous vampire is determined to destroy the Veil that has long separated vampires from human blood--and the passions it ignites. Only the Immortal Rogues, three vampires charged to protect their kind, can hope to stop his deadly rampage. . .

Amelia Hadwell has no time for London's nightlife. Not when her beloved brother's odd ways have their family threatening to institutionalize him. And not when she is questioning her own sanity after being confronted by a murderous shadow creature--then being saved by a captivating stranger, a man who belongs to a world she cannot imagine.

Reserved and scholarly, Sebastian St. Ives has been content without human desires--until they are reawakened by the delicate, brave Amelia, whom he is meant to protect. For the young woman has no idea she possesses the key to a ravenous vampire's dark victory. Now Sebastian must shield her from both a killer and his own growing attraction--or bond with her completely, and forever. . .

Romantic Quote Thursday

The simple lack of her is more to me than others' presence.
- Edward Thomas

Last Kiss Goodnight (Otherworld Assassin) #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Last Kiss Goodnight (Otherworld Assassin)

By Gena Showalter

Release Date: December 26, 2012

Publisher: Pocket Books


From Amazon:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter ignites a thrilling new paranormal series with this breathtaking tale of a warrior enslaved by desire, and the woman who frees his soul.

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION . . .

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE . . .

Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different— he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him . . . and he’ll be put to a killer test.

Romantic Quote Thursday

Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that.
- Michael Leunig

My Lord Eternity (Immortal Rogues) #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

Book: My Lord Eternity (Immortal Rogues)

By: Alexandra Ivy

Release Date: December 4, 2012

Publisher: Zebra


From Amazon:

To other vampires, mortals are weak, uninteresting creatures. To Lucien Valin, they are infinitely fascinating. Especially Jocelyn Kingly - once the prize of London society, now an outcast. As the vampire assigned to guard her, Lucien is relishing his task. But her beguiling goodness puts her in terrifying danger. Not just from the traitor intent on claiming her mysterious amulet, but from the desire Lucien struggles to keep in check. Youthful infatuation already cost Jocelyn her good name. But even with little to lose, instinct tells her that accepting Lucien as a tenant in her home is a devil's bargain. As she roams London's streets at night, helping the most wretched, she feels a dark force drawing near. And Lucien - magnetic, charming, irresistible - may turn out to be her saviour, her lover, or the means to change her destiny forever.

Romantic Quote Thursday

The sound of a kiss is not so loud as that of a cannon, but its echo lasts a great deal longer.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Heart of Atlantis #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Heart of Atlantis

By Alyssa Day

Release Date: December 4, 2012

Publisher: Berkley


From Amazon:

As a war wages between the immortals of Atlantis and those of the vampire realm, a Poseidon warrior fights to save his world—and the woman he loves. And no risk is too great.

The desires of a high priest.

Alaric, Poseidon’s High Priest, has made a vow to Quinn, the woman he loves and the leader of the Resistance: to save her friend Jack before his last bit of humanity has been drained. Should Alaric succeed, there’s one intimate danger: he may lose Quinn to the love of the man whose life he saved. But damn Atlantis to the nine hells, he’s willing to put Quinn’s wishes first, regardless of the consequences.

The warning of a threat reborn.

The final jewel of Poseidon’s trident has turned up in the hands of mysterious Ptolemy Reborn, who claims to be descended from Atlantean royalty. He’s about to reveal to the world that Atlantis is real, positioning himself as king. But this magical terrorist is bent on chaos. The only warrior who can stop him is following his own path, driven by the even more powerful force of love. Atlantean powers over the sea could prove just as cataclysmic—for Quinn’s love, Alaric might drown the entire world.

Veterans Day

Here's a little bit of history concerning Veterans Day. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

A Congressional Act approved on May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November of each year a legal holiday: "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."

In 1945, WWII veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans. Weeks approached Gen. Dwight Eisenhower with his idea. The General supported Weeks idea of a National Veterans Day.

I am proud to be the daughter of an Army serviceman, a Corporal who served his country with distinction and honor. He considered his time in the military a great milestone in his life. What makes this Veterans Day so poignant is that my dad is no longer here to celebrate this day with me. So instead of spending time together and maybe going out to lunch, I’ll spend my day sharing memories of him with family or visiting the cemetery…or both.

I am also proud to be the cousin, niece, great-niece, great grand-niece and friend of men and women who answered our nation’s call to duty.

Restaurants are paying tribute to active and retired military personnel by offering promotions for Veterans Day. If you can, please take advantage and honor a veteran you know as a thank you for service to our country and a job well done.

What about you? Do you have family and/or friends who defended our nation in war and/or peace time? How will you spend your Veterans Day?

Romantic Quote Thursday

Love is, above all, the gift of oneself.
- Jean Anouilh

Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance) #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance)

By Larissa Ione

Release Date: November 20, 2012

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing


From Amazon:

They're here.

They ride.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride . . .

ROGUE RIDER

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

Romantic Quote Thursday

In true love the smallest distance is too great, and the greatest distance can be bridged.
- Hans Nouwens

Shadow's Claim (Immortals After Dark: The Dacians) #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Shadow's Claim (Immortals After Dark: the Dacians)

By Kresley Cole

Release Date: November 27, 2012

Publisher: Pocket Books


From Amazon:

#1 New York Times bestseller Kresley Cole introduces The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist, a new paranormal series following the royal bloodline of Dacia, a vampire kingdom hidden within the Lore of the Immortals After Dark.

Shadow’s Claim features Prince Trehan, a ruthless master assassin who will do anything to possess Bettina, his beautiful sorceress mate, even compete for her hand in a blood-sport tournament— to the death.

HE WON’T BE DENIED

Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people—striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself—until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore’s most fearsome villains.

SHE’S BOUND TO ANOTHER

Desperate to earn her guardians’ approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she’s lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure.

A BATTLE FOR HER BODY AND SOUL

Even if Trehan can survive the punishing contests to claim her as his wife, the true battle for Bettina’s heart is yet to come. And unleashing a millennium’s worth of savage need will either frighten his Bride away—or stoke Bettina’s own desires to a fever pitch. . . .

Romantic Quote Thursday

True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart.
- Honore de Balzac

Wild About You (Love at Stake) #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Wild About You (Love at Stake)

By Kerrelyn Sparks

Release Date: November 27, 2012

Publisher: Avon


From Amazon:

Handsome Howard . . .
Hunky Howard . . .
Hot Howard . . .

It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick . . .

Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he's a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.

Monday Musings

Good Morning!

Please check out my other blog today. I'm talking about my favorite time of year again.

Romantic Quote Thursday

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
- Lao Tzu

Rocky Mountain Angel #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Rocky Mountain Angel

By Vivian Arend

Release Date: November 20, 2012

Publisher: Samhain Publishing


From Amazon:

Sometimes even Angels must learn to fly…

Six Pack Ranch, Book 4

Allison Parker needs a convincing excuse to come home to Rocky Mountain House. A hopelessly romantic reason that won’t let her mother suspect the truth—that Allison has discovered Mom is keeping a terrible secret from the family.

Gabe Coleman is struggling with two of the roughest parts of ranching: dealing with his bull-headed mule of a father, and making enough to pay the bills. When his old friend Allison offers to help him develop his ideas for organic ranching—in trade for pretending to be her fiancé—it sounds like the perfect set-up.

Yet the deception leads them in an unexpected direction, where their shared daily hells are erased by nights of heavenly distraction. It’s not supposed to be real, but once the gates are opened, there’s no denying they’ve found in each other a little bit of Paradise.

To break free of the past and face the future, though, will take more than temporary pleasures. It’ll take putting their hearts on the line.

Warning: Tortured hero with a guardian-angel complex, grief-stricken heroine willing to sacrifice everything for family. Break out the tissues, this trip to the ranch is a heartbreaker on the way to the HEA.

Monday Musing

There are fifteen days to NaNoWriMo. Their website says it is "30 days and nights of literary abandonment!" Thirty days of writing at least 1,667 words per day to meet the grueling goal of 50k words.

I've tried NaNo before and am not afraid to admit I did not reach that lofty goal of 50k words. I fell short midpoint with about 25K words. I felt good about the point I reached although I had to fight my inner editor all the way. We argued daily until I finally relented and edited. I was disgusted. She was triumphant. I have a new strategy for her this year. *rubbing hands together, snickering gleefully*

I'm told you can train yourself to do just about anything in about thirty days of constant repetition so this year I plan to gag my inner editor. I figure even though I might not win NaNo again this year, and the plan is to win, at lease my inner editor will be sufficiently trained for me to write without her constant nagging to edit and revise my work in progress.

So what about you? Will your inner editor behave? Will your muse be cooperative? All of these questions will be considered beginning November 1 and answered midnight, November 30. Are you up to the challenge of NaNo this year?

Romantic Quote Thursday

Hear my soul speak. Of the very instant that I saw you, Did my heart fly at your service
~From The Tempest by Shakespeare

Shifter's lady #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Shifter's Lady

By Alyssa Day

Release Date: November 6, 2012

Publisher: Berkley


From Amazon:

An Atlantean beauty and a voracious Alpha panther male explore the boundaries of shape-shifting passion—only to shatter each one of them, in a beguiling novella of the Warriors of Poseidon…

Having never ventured beyond Atlantis for four centuries, Marie, First Maiden of the Nereids, is finally leaving for the world of the Above to see her brother and meet the beautiful shifter he married. For Marie, an even bigger surprise awaits her—one prowling in her sister-in-law’s panther pack. No man has ever touched her quite as exquisitely as Ethan, Alpha male of the panthers. But being drawn into his sensual world is as irresistible as it is dangerous when a violent turf war places both of them in inescapable danger.

Includes a preview of the new Warriors of Poseidon novel, Heart of Atlantis

Shifter’s Lady previously appeared in Shifter.

Teaser Tuesday Snippets

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday. Each Tuesday, I will post a snippet of a book from my personal bookshelf. Some books may be fiction. Some may be on the craft of writing. Here's today's selection.

Gregor glared at me. I didn't blink. This wasn't the Catherine he knew. I was Cat, and he hadn't met me before.

"Lucius," he belted out finally. "Come to me at once!"

After a few seconds, the door opened. Lucius stopped short when he saw Gregor naked on top of me and a knife sticking out of his back.

"Master?" he began. "What---?"

"Listen up, Lucius." I didn't glance away from Gregor, only seeing the other vampire from my peripheral vision. "You're going to get a speakerphone and bring it in here. Right now. You get any other ideas, and you're next to die, old pal. Got it?"

"Monsieur?"

"Do it," Gregor said silkily. He'd regained his composure. "After all, I made my wife a promise."

My lips curled at his emphasis, but that was a pissing contest for a later date.

Page 165 Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost


Here's the Blurb:

Her deadly dreams leave her in grave danger

Since half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they've fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it's time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakes one night in terror. She's having visions of a vampire named Gregor who's more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself didn't know about.

Gregor believes Cat is his and he won't stop until he has her. As the battle begins between the vamp who haunts her nightmares and the one who holds her heart, only Cat can break Gregor's hold over her. She'll need all the power she can summon in order to bring down the baddest bloodsucker she's ever faced...even if getting that power will result in an early grave.

Do you have this one on your bookshelf?

Romantic Quote Thursday

Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination.
~From Voltaire

Shadow Rising #Books

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipated.

Book: Shadow Rising

By Yasmine Galenorn

Release Date: October 30, 2012

Publisher: Jove


From Amazon:

We’re the D’Artigo sisters: savvy half-human, half-Fae ex-operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. My sister Camille is a wicked-good witch with three sexy husbands. My sister Delilah is a two-faced werecat and Death Maiden. And me? I’m Menolly, a jian-tu turned vampire in love with a wildly hot werepuma. Unfortunately, life is about to get very, very nasty…

Nerissa and I can’t decide on what we want to do for our promise ceremony and we’re bickering like an old married couple. My sisters and I head to Otherworld for a meeting with Queen Asteria. Once there, we discover that Shadow Wing has dispatched Telazhar—a malevolent necromancer—to reignite the Scorching Wars. And as soon as we return back home, we find Gulakah, the Lord of Ghosts, waging a battle to control the magical beings over Earthside. Caught between two terrible enemies in a battle spanning two worlds, we can only hope we’re in time to stop all-out annihilation.

Teaser Tuesday Snippets

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday. Each Tuesday, I will post a snippet of a book from my personal bookshelf. Some books may be fiction. Some may be on the craft of writing. Here's today's selection.

"Let me up!"

"No, I don't think so," Richard said matter-of-factly. "I rather like you in this position. It definitely brings to my attention that there are--other ways to scare you away...and it keeps your teeth off of me."

She struggled underneath him so earnestly, she soon wore herself out. He only laughed at her efforts because she couldn't budge him, couldn't even reach back to claw him because he was holding her wrists to the bed as well.

Then he leaned close to her ear and whispered provocatively, "What do you think, Jewels? Want to take this fight to a new level?"

"You're contemptible."

Page 161 That Perfect Someone by Johanna Lindsey


Here's the Blurb:

Thrilled that her solicitors have finally freed her from a detested marriage contract to the Earl of Manford's son who abandoned her years ago, heiress Julia Miller is eager to husband hunt at her friend Georgina Malory's ball. Charmed by a masked Frenchman and his magical kiss, she can't help but pursue this mysterious man--until she makes a shocking discovery. The enticing and carefree "Jean Paul" is merely a persona for Richard Allen who fled England and his controlling father years ago, took to the high seas, and joined a band of treasure-hunting Caribbean pirates!

Now, to avoid falling into a ruthless nobleman's trap, Julia must enter unto a risky, intimate charade with a man she was once bound to wed but never believed she could love. With a little help from the lucky-in-live Malory family, will Richard and Julia discover in each other that perfect someone?

Do you have this one on your bookshelf?

Romantic Quote Thursday

My heart is ever at your service.
~ From Timon of Athens (Shakespeare)