MamaWriters Blog to Launch February 1

Current read: Devil in Cowboy Boots by Sylvie Kaye

Get ready! The Mama Writers blog is launching February 1st!

Come join the Mama Writers as they blog about writing romance, raising kids, and everything in-between. Look for our special pages of mama tips, writing resources, forums, and more!

Meet the Mamas: Renee Knowles, Jeannie Ruesch, Kris Kennedy, Eliza Knight, Melissa Mayhue, Tiffany James, Stacy Dawn, Tina Gerow, Viola Estrella, Anne Sorgeson, Ashley Ludwig, and Helen Hardt.

Don’t forget to leave a comment—with the launch of our new site we’ve got a fabulous and oh-so-perfect $50 Universal Spa gift card (can be used at over 5000 locations worldwide!!!) along with some Mama Writer’s goodies!

In addition to the Mama Writers blogging daily, we have a spectacular line-up of weekly special guest authors—who also happen to be moms! Here’s a sneak peek at who will be visiting with us: Roxanne St. Claire, Brenda Novak, Eloisa James, Allison Brennan, Monica McCarty, Jill Sorenson, Carrie Lofty, Delilah Marvelle, Faith Bicknell-Brown, and many, many more.

Don’t miss out!

http://www.mamawriters.com/

HUNK!

Check out Monica's hunk.

She's devoted two posts to him, and he's so very worthy...

And to whet your appetite, a little Henri, courtesy of Cari.

Join me in Lizzie's Tea Room!

Current read: Devil in Cowboy Boots by Sylvie Kaye

I'm thrilled to be helping my friend and chaptermate, Lizzie T. Leaf, celebrate her new release, Barely Legal, available at Aspen Mountain Press. Barely Legal launches the new Cougar Club series at AMP. Lizzie will be here at my blog on February 23 to talk about her hot young hero, Corin.

Today I, along with several other authors, am hanging out in Lizzie's Tea Room. Come by for some sizzling excerpts! You can join the group here.

I'd also like to invite you to stop by Catherine's blog where she's talking about romance heroines. And I'm mentioned in her video blog!

Enjoy your Thursday!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Rusty Joiner

Current read: Rachel and the Hired Gun by Elaine Levine.


I'm always on the lookout for a sexy blond hunk and this week I found one! Thirty-six year old Rusty is a model and a southern gentleman, born in Alabama and raised in Georgia. I'm so loving the photo in boxer briefs.

MONDAY'S HERO -- Derek from The Model Man

Current Read: The Surgeon's Secret Baby Wish by Laura Iding.

Okay, admit it. How many of you romance writers out there have fantasized about a romance model? Nicole McCaffrey's wonderful story, The Model Man, brings that fantasy to life. The Model Man is available at The Wild Rose Press, and was one of the first TWRP titles I read when I was considering querying them. I was hooked on page one! If you haven't read this one, hurry over to TWRP. Today I'm excited to have Nicole here to talk about her hot hero, Derek.

Welcome, Nicole! Tell us how you got the idea for The Model Man.

Like my other contemporary release, Small Town Christmas, the idea for The Model Man came from a dream. I didn't dream the entire plot, of course, just the opening--the older woman puzzled by the young, hot guy pursuing her. But it was enough to give me an idea . The rest of the story really came from simply putting the characters on the page together and seeing what happened.

Single mom and romance novelist Kelly Michaels has no time for a man in her life. But when mega-famous cover model Derek Calavicci puts the moves on her at a romance writers’ conference, she succumbs to temptation. Common sense prevails, however, and after a few passionate kisses she turns him down; she has impressionable teenagers at home, after all, she doesn’t need a one-night-stand with a much younger man, no matter how hot he is. When photos of their passionate moonlight kiss hit the tabloids, her agent has to do some fast footwork to save her reputation. Will the notorious bad boy go along with her scheme?

Derek rarely hears a woman say “no” – it’s been that way his entire life. If Kelly isn’t interested, he’s not going to push her-- even if she does melt like ice cream on a hot sidewalk every time he touches her. But when an unexpected opportunity falls into his lap by way of Kelly’s scheming agent, he jumps at the chance. Pretend he’s in love with Kelly Michaels for two weeks? No problem. After all, the lady may say she’s never going to sleep with him... but he's got two weeks to convince her otherwise.

That's such a great blurb! Tell us about your hero, Derek. How would you describe him?

Derek is a romance cover model--so think tall, hot and hunky. *G* Seriously, because of his career he has to have the physique and build one would expect from a cover model, along with the long flowing mane of hair. Throughout the story, what Derek wants most out of life are two things: for something to excite him again--not just sexually or physically, but he's had so much handed to him in such a short time that he's grown restless and bored with it all. The second thing he wants is to have his life back. He's tired of the fishbowl existence, and of his hands-on manager dictating his every move. Three adjectives that best describe Derek... well, he's arrogant, LOL. Generous and, like any good romantic hero, just a little haunted.

You had me at the long flowing mane of hair, LOL. And, of course, the little bit haunted ;). What does he see in the heroine, Kelly? And vice versa?

There's a definite attraction when they meet the first time, but the second time they meet, he's drawn to her physically. She's not the sort of woman he's used to meeting, she's older, more confident, curvier--he's intrigued. Despite the attraction sizzling between them, she makes it clear she's not interested. In his mind, that means the chase is on. He's a bit surprised by her reluctance to play the game. Kelly finds Derek physically attractive--after all, it's his job to make sure he is physically attractive! Despite the fact that she'd love nothing more than to spend one uninhibited night with him, she just can't give herself permission to do it. Once she gets to know him , she finds out there's much, much more to him than she'd first expected, and despite her resolve to be independent and rely only on herself, here is a guy telling her--and showing her--that she can lean on him if she needs to. It's hard for her to let go control of her emotions and trust someone else. It's even harder for her to let go sexually and trust someone else. But once she does... one night may not be enough.

What inspired you to create Derek?

Like so many of my heroes, Derek just pulled up a chair and started talking to me one day. And like all of my heroes, he wouldn't shut up until I wrote down his story, LOL. As for bits and pieces of someone else in him... well sure, my husband is Italian, so much of the story of Derek's family is influenced by stories my husband or his father have told me. The huge family dinners with everyone cramped into one small house, the grandmother who makes meatballs the size of tennis balls and lives to feed anyone who walks through the door... that's the kind of stuff you can't possibly make up, LOL. The rest is just that magical something that happens when you create a character--bits and pieces you don't even realize are part of your subconscious come together to create someone unique.

What other projects are you working on right now?

I've said this before, but it's really ironic to me that my contemporary stories sold first, since I've always considered myself an historical writer. So the past several months have really seen me returning to those roots. Cowboys, gamblers, gunfighters, lawmen, soldiers--those are the heroes occupying my time these days. I have a western historical in the hands of an editor as we speak (I won't say anything else for fear of jinxing myself, LOL), I'm working on another western now, and I have a Civil War historical under contract with TWRP that I hope to see released this year. I also have a couple of short historical stories in the works that I hope to pitch to TWRP. Readers can keep up by reading my blog, http://www.nicolemccaffrey.blogspot.com/ or visiting my website. www.nicolemccaffrey.com.

Time for a fun question. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people.

I'm afraid of butterflies. Terrified, actually, but as a mom, I can't give in to that when I'm outside or it would freak my kids out. I don't know what it is--something about the slow fluttering just gives me the heebie-jeebies, LOL. When I was researching places in NYC my characters might visit (since Derek is a New Yorker) someone suggested the American Musuem of Natural History. One look at the website and I knew I'd found an ideal location for the charity ball Derek and Kelly attend in the story--it had a live butterfly exhibit, LOL. I had to use it, and had to give Kelly my butterfly phobia. The thing that has truly amazed me is the people who have read the story and contacted me to say they're afraid of butterflies, too. I thought I was the only one, it's nice to know I'm not alone out there, LOL.

No, you are definitely not alone. I have that same fear! Seriously. We have a Butterfly Pavilion near our home where butterflies flutter all around and land on your shoulder. *shudder* My husband and boys love the place, but I personally think it's evil. It is nice to know we (and Kelly) aren't the only ones who suffer from this ailment ;).

Thanks so much for being here, Nicole! I know everyone will love Derek as much as I do. For a taste, here's a short adult excerpt:

“Derek.” Her voice had taken on a husky quality. “The coffee.”

“What coffee?” For a long moment he did nothing but watch the rise and fall of her chest, the way her lips had gone soft and parted. A strand of hair fell over her cheek, and he tucked it back behind her ear, his knuckles lingering to caress her skin. “So are you still … over me?”

“No.” Her lips formed the word, but no sound came out. Her gaze remained fixed on his mouth. She took a step back.

He followed.“Wait.” Her hand came up to rest against his chest. “Derek, I want you. But we need to get some things straight first. At least I do.”

The clouds parted. Heaven’s gates opened. A chorus of angels sang Hallelujah. Had Kelly just admitted to wanting him? Had she really liberated him from his self-imposed restraint? He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “We can talk all you want. But first do me a favor.”

"What?”

“Say you want me again.”

She let out a whoosh of air upon hearing his request, as if she had feared he would ask something obscene. “Didn’t you hear enough of that from the women at the conference?”

“I didn’t hear it from you.” Still holding her hand, he tucked it at his waist and moved in closer, pressing tighter to her. “In fact, all I heard were denials.”

“I never said I didn’t feel it. Just that I couldn’t act on it.”

“What changed?”

"I realized I may never feel this way again—the way I feel when I’m with you.” Her cheeks went pink. “L—like I said, we need to set some things straight first.”

“We will. But I asked you for something, and I’m still waiting.” Without giving her time to answer he bent to nibble her lower lip, then gently sucked it. She let out a small moan and parted her lips beneath his. He pulled her against him, his hand sliding over her behind, molding the material to the shape, the crevice. Her hips moved against him, finding his erection and cradling it between them.

Backing her toward the counter, he braced her against it. Deliberately, since she still hadn’t uttered the words he wanted to hear, he slid a hand over her breast. A rush of heat shot through him at the feel of her swollen nipple against his thumb, and he stroked it until she moaned and rested her forehead against his shoulder.

“Say it,” he whispered.

She murmured something incoherent against his shirtfront. He shifted, then lifted her against his throbbing erection until she cried out and threw her head back. “I didn’t hear you.”

“I … want… you.” The words were slow and held a note of desperation.

It was more than just his ego that needed the gratification of hearing her say it. He had almost believed she didn’t. “What was it you wanted to talk about?”

A cry of almost frustration escaped her. “One night. We can only have one night.”

“Why?” He removed his hand from her breast, then lowered his head to take the peak into his mouth through the thin cotton T-shirt.

"I have my reasons.”

Her nipple between his lips, he could only moan his disapproval. Her hands laced into his hair, and he raised his head. “It won’t work.”

His fingers grazed the hem of her T-shirt. He eased his hand beneath, palm gliding over her smooth thigh, up and over her hip, the shirt rising with his movement. She moaned aloud as he continued his slow journey.

At her rib cage he paused and met her gaze. “It’ll take more than one night to do what I intend to do to you.”

TAGGED! And Other News...

Current Read: Lie With Me by Cara Summers.

Happy Friday! I have a few miscellaneous announcements before I get to my Tag post ;). First the Vixens are having a cool contest to start off the new year. Send us your sexiest first line for a chance to win some great reads. For details, head on over to Colorado Vixens.

Also at the Vixens (if my hump-day hunks aren't enough for you, LOL), next Friday TGIF is debuting. Yes, TGIF --That Guy is Fine! First up for hunk choosing is Monica, so be sure to stop by and see who she comes up with a week from today.

Onto the tagging...

I was tagged last Friday by Paty, then the same day by Viola, and then a few days later by Catherine. The rules are simple. Link to the person who tagged you; write down six things that make you happy; post the rules; tag six others and let them know you’ve done it; tell the person who tagged you when your entry is up.

Six things that make me happy:

1. My two wonderful sons.

2. My sexy and amazing husband.

3. Good health.

4. A great review.

5. Curling up with a good book.

6. Knowing I've helped someone.

Now the fun part -- to the following people -- tag, you're it!

Christina Phillips
Cari Quinn
April Vine
Renee Knowles
Lara Dien
Kaye Manro

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Andrew Wolff

This sexy Filipino model, who stands 6' 2" (sigh) has been dubbed "The Big Bad Wolff" because of his aggressive and tough attitude. However, Andrew claims he's actually very shy and gentle. Any takers?

MONDAY'S HERO -- Luca from The Devil Himself

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. day to all of you! Today I'm thrilled to have C.A. Salo, a fellow Wilder Roses author, visiting. She's here to talk about her Whiskey Creek Press Torrid release, The Devil Himself. And isn't that a dark and sensual cover? I love it.

C.A., tell us how you came up with the plot for The Devil Himself.

I was watching a paranormal documentary on TV about The Jersey Devil.

Blurb:
Luca has lived a long and sheltered life. Dubbed by many as “The Jersey Devil”, he resides peacefully and alone in the Barren Woods, where no one can find him. It’s a lonely existence, but necessary for one such as he.

Until photographer Chandra Burke comes along. After saving her life, Luca feels obligated to keep her with him until she heals. But as hours with her turn to days, and then weeks, he finds he wants to keep her for an entirely different reason—for him.

Can Chandra and Luca overcome Luca’s view of himself, a pesky wizard, and a possessive demon to be together? Or will the Fates allow love to slip past Luca once again?

I love that you've based the story on the Jersey Devil myth. I know several authors who have taken local myths and turned them into stories. Tell us a little about your Jersey Devil, Luca. Let's start with a physical description.

In Demon Form:

Height - 7 feet tall;
Legs: Strong and muscular - feet - five toes, retractable claws (like the beast from Disney's Beauty and the Beast)
Eyes: Black, red rimmed;
Body: Strong, ripped, very muscular, incredible 6 pack, flat stomach - Skin - a reddish black color (like red with a black tint) - body covered with a thin covering of black fur - Head - Bald, face strong looking, horns on the top of his head (like a goat's but larger, size to his body and frame).
Wings - Large, tips go above his head and down to his calves, they are the color of his skin, leathery like, like a dragons.

What does Luca want most out of life?

Freedom from his curse.

What three adjectives best describe him?

Gloomy, lonely, and dominant.

He sounds very intriguing, like the classic tortured hero. Anyone who knows me knows I love a tortured hero ;). What draws him to the heroine, Chandra?

She’s smart, strong, independent and honest. But above all else – they are drawn to one another, like they’ve known each other forever.

What draws her to him?

He’s strong willed, an alpha, but not strong handed. He gives her the space to be who she is without trying to control her.

Who or what inspired you to create this hero?

I’d always heard the stories in High School as I grew up in Massachusetts about The Jersey Devil, and thought, why not write a book and twist it my way? Everyone deserves lust and love including The Jersey Devil.

Is there a little bit of someone you know in him?

LOL, no there’s no little tid-bits of any one in my personal life associated with Luca. Although I can’t say that about some of my other works.

Luca sounds like a very unique and original hero. I'm looking forward to this story! Tell us what else you've got going on these days.

I have another release, A Slave’s Way Out, – The Best Selling Torrid Title of the Year for 2007 at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. Also Coming Soon to The Wild Rose Press – Wilder Roses is Destined to Mate. I’m currently working on finishing my sequel for A Slave’s Way Out, and a story for the Cougar line at The Wild Rose Press. I’m also thinking about doing a sequel for Destined to Mate.

My web site is – www.casalo.webs.com
My Blog is – http://authorcasalo.blogspot.com
I am on MySpace – www.myspace.com/ca_salo

I’m always hanging around at:
The REC as a writer and a MOD – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Romance_erotica_connection

And Midnight Seductions –
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/midnightseductions

Congratulations on having the 2007 bestseller at WCPT! That's wonderful. Readers, to whet your appetite, here's an excerpt from The Devil Himself:

Luca’s nostrils flared with anger as he caught the smell of the man again. This man’s scent had been on three bodies he had found over the course of a year, women’s bodies so badly mutilated, the only way he’d known they were females was from their scent. Not again, not in his forest. He hadn’t been able to help any of the others, but this one he could, and with a horrifying screech he soared down, claws out, slashing them across the man’s throat as the murderer turned with fright in his eyes.

The naked woman just lay there unmoving, her eyes following him as he walked toward her, and she whispered a plea of help. He stepped out of the shadows, and her eyes widened before she slumped down in unconsciousness.

“Are you flying?”

“Yes.” Hovering above the trees, Luca wrapped the covers around Chandra as she shivered. He recognized the item now, had seen several before on the edge of his woods. Not liking that they came inland, he had to get Chandra to safety. Walking was not an option with the vehicle so close, and he could have jumped from one tree to the next quickly, but feared that would pain her more. Unfortunately, he knew it would bring about questions he didn’t want to answer.

“You have fur, and you fly. Good God, Luca.”

“Shh.”

“No.” Her head turned toward him, her eyes still closed.

“I’m open-minded, mind you, but I’m not stupid.”

“Hush before they hear you.”

“No. You’re flying for Christ’s sake!”

“I do not mean to scare you,” he said softly.

“I’m not scared, Luca, not anymore. You took me by surprise when you leaped up so fast my stomach dropped like on a roller coaster, with the wind from your…wings. My god, I can’t believe I’m saying this. But you’re flying.”

Luca grinned as he leaned close to her ear. “I am.”

“See, that’s just not possible,” she stammered. “I mean the only way you could fly is if you really are—”

“The Jersey Devil. Now, if you would hold on, I have some teenagers I need to scare off my land.”

“Scare off?”

“Block your ears,” he ordered as he swung around, heading back to the pool. He let out an ear-piercing scream and she quickly covered her ears. Chandra winced, her eyes popping open for a brief moment and he knew she was remembering the first time she’d heard his shrill screech as her eyes slammed shut again.

“You know, you remind me of the beast,” she snapped. A second later, Chandra regretted her quick outburst. She didn’t want him thinking she didn’t accept him for what he was. Because the truth was, it freaked her out a little that, lord, the man was flying. But…it was still Luca. Still the kindhearted, mostly soft-spoken man she’d come to really like.

“The what?” he asked, glancing down at her as his feet touched the earth.

“From Beauty and the Beast. You can be mean and stubborn, and…and scary sometimes.”

Luca snorted a blast of hot air at her as he put her on his bed. “That, Ms. Burke, is who I am. I am the scariest beast you can imagine.”

“I can imagine a lot— Where are you going?” she called out. “Don’t you leave me!”

Luca turned his head, looking at her over his shoulder. “I am taking the beast away from the beauty.”

“Then you need glasses, because I’m no damn beauty!”

“More than you realize.”

“Why do you always need to have the last word?” she shouted after him.

“Because I’m beastly.”

Chandra growled in frustration. “Jerk.”

“Thank you,” he called back before he took off out of the opening to his cave, chuckling as he listened to her frustrated ranting about men.

Coming Soon -- THE OUTLAW'S ANGEL

I'm thrilled to announce that my novella, The Outlaw's Angel, will be part of Lawmen and Outlaws, an American western historical anthology, coming to The Wild Rose Press in June 2009!

The last thing bounty hunter Bobby Morgan expects after a stay in a small Dakota town is to wake up in a dirty jail cell accused of a crime he didn't commit. When a preacher's beautiful daughter provides a means for escape, he takes it. On the run with his feisty hostage, Bobby swears to her he means her no harm.

Naomi Blackburn wants nothing more than to go home to her ma and pa. But her handsome outlaw captor ignites a passion in her that's both frightening and exciting. Can two decidedly different souls come together? Or will misfortunes and Bobby's own doubts keep them apart?

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Eric Fox

You got a taste of this hottie on Friday ;). A model and stuntman, Eric plays Arnold Schwarzenegger's role in the Termininator 2 3-D attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando. Ahem -- Who likes the view from behind?

AND THE WINNER IS...

Lastnerve!

Please email Linda at linda@lindabanche.com and she will send you your free download of Lady of the Stars.

Congratulations!

MONDAY'S HERO -- Richard from Lady of the Stars

Today I'm pleased to introduce another great author who I met through blogging, Linda Banche. Her debut release, Lady of the Stars, is currently on The Wild Rose Press's bestseller list. Congratulations, Linda!

Hi Helen. Thanks for having me.

You're very welcome. Tell us a little bit about Lady of the Stars.

Lady of the Stars started life as an entry in The Wild Rose Press's "Through the Garden Gate" time travel contest. The contest wanted stories sending the heroine back to various eras, and I picked Regency England. The winner would be published, but the real attraction was the free critique from A Real Editor for each entrant.

Well, I lost. But TWRP liked the story and told me to resubmit. I resubmitted twice. And this last time, they accepted it. My first contract!

Astronomy holds a prominent place in Lady of the Stars. My original story centered on an antique telescope, which is pictured on my cover. Although I had the general outline within four days of finding out about the contest, parts changed a great deal, pantser that I am. As a hint about the story, the title Lady of the Stars does NOT refer to astronomy.

Here's my blurb:
A legend spanning time and the man and woman caught in it.

Caroline knows something is wrong the instant she steps into that unusual gazebo with two doors. But when a man she thought forever gone appears outside, she flings caution aside and plunges through the back door, crashing into the man--and 1817.

A voyage through time? Impossible. Richard refuses to believe the strange woman's outlandish tale. Still, the lady is lost and alone, and he helps the stranded wayfarer.

But as attraction flares between these two lonely people, Richard's family legend grinds to its ultimate fulfillment--will it bring them together, or tear them apart forever?

Tell us about your hero, Richard.

Life has been hard for Richard the past few years, and when the story opens, he's surviving from day to day. The last thing he needs is a woman who literally runs into him, throwing what's left of his world off balance.

Here's the physical description of Richard, from Caroline's POV, with a little humor at the end.

He stood in a beam of sunshine, his back to her as he poured water from a bucket into a large kettle sitting on the grate over the fire.

The sun glinted off his light golden brown hair, short at the sides and back yet full on top, a haircut many men of her acquaintance wore. Unfortunately, he was still dressed in breeches and boots, like the men in pictures from two hundred years ago. She had always laughed at the ornateness of men's clothes from that era. But in bright daylight, somehow, those elaborate clothes appeared utterly masculine.

His dark blue jacket was slung over a chair back and he wore a white shirt with flowing sleeves and a gray vest. Though the shirt was loose, the vest was not and she gazed down the expanse of muscle from broad shoulders to slim hips and sinfully long legs. Her gaze jerked back up to the breeches. They were as tight as his vest. Good thing his jacket had those ridiculous tails or women for miles around would follow him just to see that magnificent backside.

Richard is intelligent, kind and decent. I like decent men who've been kicked around and it makes them better men. My heroes pick themselves up and keep going, with a little help from the heroine. Richard is that kind of man and he will receive his reward, in addition to his HEA with Caroline, which is reward enough.

What draws Richard and Caroline together?

Richard takes pity on Caroline because she has nowhere else to go. Still, he's angry at himself because he knows nothing about her, and her time travel story is pretty hard to swallow. She's also intelligent, he likes intelligent women and they have common interests. And it doesn't hurt that she's pretty.

Caroline is drawn to Richard because he's kind, intelligent, and decent. And he reminds her of someone, but I can't tell you who, or I'll give away the story. Instead, here's the excerpt where Caroline gets her first good look at him:

Caroline followed him into the room she knew was the kitchen and he stepped up to the banked fire.

Fire? Where were the stove and refrigerator? And all the chrome and stainless steel of the ultramodern kitchen she had seen only this morning? This kitchen contained a scarred wood trestle table with several chairs pushed under it. Pots and pans hung on wall racks and reflected the dim firelight. A cupboard stood against the far wall, next to a sink with a pump. A pump?

With shaking hands, she set the lantern on the table and pulled out one of the chairs. She was in trouble, very deep trouble.

As she sank into the chair, she turned her stunned attention to her host.

Unaware of her gaze, he busied himself at the fireplace. His back to her, he placed the candelabrum on the mantle above the hearth, then drew the fire screen to the side of the grate. Dropping onto his haunches, he pulled several logs from the nearby basket, then arranged the wood in a neat pile on the smoldering embers. Almost at once, the flames blazed to full roaring life.

Silhouetted against the light, he straightened, replaced the screen, then removed his hat and tossed it on the table.

He turned, and for the first time that night she fully took in his face. She gasped. Had she seen a ghost through the gazebo's back door? "Richard?"

Puzzlement spread over those chiseled features she now saw only in her memories. "How do you know my name?"

What inspired you to create this hero?

I make my heroes the kind of men I like. I like intelligent men. I also like nice guys. To my way of thinking, "nice" does not necessarily mean "wimp". My heroes get what they want because they're smarter than everybody else. They don't have to bang heads, although they can, if necessary. And then, of course, my heroes are gorgeous, because all romances are part fantasy.

All my heroes also contain some of my husband. My husband is a nice guy, very intelligent, and he always gets exactly what he wants because he's smart.

I hear this a lot, and it's true for me as well. My husband is present in every hero I create. What projects are you working on right now?

The Wild Rose Press has accepted my second novella, Pumpkinnapper, a Regency Halloween comedy. Pumpkinnapper is now in edits. I'm also working on a Regency Christmas story. On my website I have excerpts of both Lady of the Stars and Pumpkinnapper.

As for contacting me, I have a website, blog, myspace, facebook and goodreads. See below. Please send me a friend request!

Also, I’m part of the Wild Rose Press Winter Sony eReader Giveaway contest. Anyone who buys a copy of Lady of the Stars from The Wild Rose Press website from January 11 through March 17, 2009 has a chance to win a Sony eReader.

Here are my links.

Email: linda@lindabanche.com
http://www.lindabanche.com/
http://lindabanche.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lindabanche
http://www.facebook.com/people/Linda-Banche/1059787652
http://www.goodreads.com/profile/lindabanche

Thanks so much for being here, Linda, and best of luck with Lady of the Stars! Readers, be sure to leave a comment, and Linda will draw a name for a free download. And in the meantime, here's another short excerpt:

He stepped into the doorway, deposited the telescope on the hall floor with great care, then turned back. "Now I will escort you to your destination." He grabbed the latch to pull the door closed.

"No!" she shouted, and shoved at the door. It slowed, but didn't stop. "This is my cottage! I paid for the entire month."

"We have been through this already, madam. I have the key, and you do not. The cottage is mine, not yours. I will escort you--"

"But I have nowhere else to go."

Richard hesitated. The woman's voice quavered and the dim lantern light revealed her trembling lips. Something was wrong. Had she told the truth about having nowhere else to go? Distracted, he loosened his grip on the door. His momentary lapse was all she needed. Pushing the door open wide, she slipped inside.

She swallowed and lowered her gaze. "I'd be grateful if you'd let me stay awhile."

Irritated, but giving up, he followed her back inside and shut the door. Cursing his twinge of pity, he said, "Only for the night." The time was already past midnight. In a few hours he would escort her elsewhere. He waved her down the hall. "After you, madam." He suspected he would regret his kindness.

She stepped into the dark hallway. "I'll get the light." She slid her hands along the wall at the side of the doorway.

"What are you doing?"

"Looking for the light switch. It's here by the door." She ran her hand up and down the wall again, her movements jerky, as if panicked.

He shook his head, but said nothing. A Bedlamite, in truth. Again he cursed his soft nature. He lit the candles of a three-pronged candelabrum on a hall table from the lantern candle, then handed her the lantern. Leaning behind her, he inserted his key in the lock and turned it. Then he picked up the candelabrum and his telescope and headed down the hall. "If you will follow me," he called over his shoulder.

Sixteen Things About Me...

My wonderful friend Christina Phillips tagged me in December. Evidently, you're supposed to do this on Facebook, but neither Christina nor I have Facebook pages yet, so I'm following suit and doing this on my blog. So here are sixteen things you may or may not know (or wish you didn't know, LOL) about me:

1. I hold a first degree black belt in Taekwondo. So don't mess with me ;).

2. I played clarinet in my high school concert band.

3. I majored in French in college.

4. I've also studied Russian, German, and Latin.

5. I have a law degree and I'm licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado.

6. In 1991, I wrote an Amicus Curiae brief that was submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. Don't ask me what it was about; I don't remember, LOL, though if you really want to know I can pull it out of my file cabinet and read it.

7. I truly believe that goat cheese is the work of the devil. I gag when I come within ten feet of it. I'm serious. My mother and sister suffer from this same ailment, so I wonder if it's genetic.

8. My favorite pizza toppings are anchovies, onions, capers, and artichoke hearts. My husband won't let me get anchovies on half because he says it pollutes the whole pizza. I know, I know...I'll put that in my mouth but I won't touch goat cheese? Go figure.

9. I love sushi.

10. My non-alcoholic beverage of choice is iced tea, no sugar, no lemon, no flavoring. I rarely drink soda.

11. I started my first manuscript in eighth grade and didn't complete it until I was in college. I still have it, but it will never see the light of day ;).

12. My second completed manuscript was a young adult fantasy fiction novel. After that, I switched to romance.

13. I was a huge fan of malt shop romances when I was in middle school.

14. I'm a huge fan of The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I still reread them today.

15. My favorite dessert is creme brulee.

16. Though I have a love for the male form and enjoy posting (and salivating over) hunks for your and my viewing pleasure, I've been happily married to my soulmate for nineteen years.

Now the fun part. I get to tag sixteen more people! If you want to play, post sixteen interesting things about yourself on your blog (or your Facebook -- I have no idea how that works.)

Monica Kaye
Viola Estrella
Tricia Leigh Wood
Cari Quinn
Lara Dien
Tiffany James
C.A. Solo
Renee Knowles
Catherine Bybee
Kylie Creel
Dark-Huntress Heather
Kealie Shay
Dayana Knight
Tanya Hanson
April Vine
Kaye Manro

Maybe one or two of you will take the bait!

And for your viewing pleasure...

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Henri Castelli

Does it get any better than those eyes and those lips? Meet Henri Castelli, a Brazilian actor and model. Yes, Kealie, Cari, and Viola got to him before I did, but he's so deliciously hot I just had to take my turn ;). Enjoy!

Helen's Goals for January

I'm trying something new for 2009. On the first Tuesday of each month, I'm going to post that month's goals. Those of you who know me know that for some unexplainable reason, making my goals public gives me incentive to achieve them.

Before I post, though, I need to pat myself on the back for just a second. I tallied up last year's total wordcount, and it is....229,742! Even better, I'm thrilled to say that about 70K of those words have either been published or are under contract. So I'm pleased with my 2008 progress.

I actually haven't set any yearly goals yet, but plan to do so this week, and will post them as soon as possible.

That said, here are my goals for January:

1. Write two shorts.

2. Finish a novella that I started last May.

3. Write a synopsis for my next long project (a 50-60K Blaze-type story)

4. Edit my son's personal project for school (a 27K YA fantasy)

There they are, in black and white. You all have permission to bitchslap me if I don't get them done ;). I have tons of other stuff going on this month, so this will be a challenge.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the debut hunk of 2009! And I'll be back Friday as well, with 16 things you wish you never knew about me, LOL. The lovely Christina tagged me in December, and I'm just now getting to that.

Have a great Tuesday!

MONDAY'S HERO -- Ryan from Tripping Through Time

Happy New Year!

I hope you're all ready for a happy, productive, and prosperous 2009. I'm glad to be back to my regular blogging schedule, and today it's my pleasure to introduce Mary Ricksen. Mary and I met on the lovely Dayana Knight's blog. Her first release, Tripping Through Time, is currently a bestseller at The Wild Rose Press. Congratulations, Mary, and welcome!

Hi Helen. Thank you so much for my first interview!

Tell us a little about how you came up with the idea for Tripping Through Time.

Growing up we spent all our summers on Lake Champlain, in Vermont. I used to walk from one side of our part of Keeler's Bay to the other side. If you crossed through the woods instead of going by the road, you walked under huge fir trees. Under the conifers it was like a magical world. I would sit there and imagine all kinds of things. Pretending to be everything from an Abenaki Indian to a farmer's wife. I just had to write it, because it had always been one of my dreams.

In the waters of Lake Champlain there is magic, and a Celtic ring with a mystic spell proves that love is truly timeless.

What a lovely picture you just painted! Tell us about the hero in TTT, Ryan.

Ryan Wolf is the guy you always wanted. He is a dedicated and loving father and widower, who has two children, one of them autistic. Inner strength and a good heart have made him a man who puts family before himself. And since the death of his wife, he has left his feelings and needs on a shelf, to get to later. All he wants is for his daughters to have a good life, and for his autistic daughter to be able to communicate with him. Part Irish and Abnaki Indian, he has warm bronzed-toned skin. He has misty green eyes, chestnut hair that flows over his collar, and muscles, (Mmmm lots of muscles). Tall, soft spoken, with huge dimples when he smiles, he is really hot! He is dedicated, loving, and honest.

Wow, he sounds amazing. How is he drawn to the heroine, Keealyn? And vice versa?

He is drawn to Keealyn McCalley because she needs him. Wounded in her heart, she has to learn to trust and give up her fear of men. Ryan is one of those guys who needs to be needed, has a fierce pride in his ability to take care of his family. He is strongly attracted to her physically. And feels protective of her, because he knows she is lost in time due to his family's heirloom Celtic ring. She helps his autistic daughter to communicate, and that alone would make him love her. Not to mention the instant sexual attraction between them.

Keealyn is attracted to Ryan because he is who he is. Granted, she is immediately attracted to him sexually. But it's so much more than that. He teaches her that men can be kind. She doesn't have to fear that he will hurt her with works, or with physical abuse. That's a biggie for her. His children are a joy to her and she is instantly in love with them. She is happier then she has ever been a hundred years in the past.

What inspired you to create Ryan?

I created him to be the man that my heroine needed. He is the man I loved in one of my past lives. An amalgam of all the good parts of men I have known, he has a little bit of them all. The man of your dreams. Hey if I'm gonna write fiction. My man has to be the best there is.

I totally agree! That's why we write romance, after all, to create amazing and lovable heroes ;). What projects are you currently working on?

I am working on the sequel to Tripping Through Time, and it's title is Burned Into Time. Keealyn's sister Lacy follows her into the past, and has her own obstacles to hurdle. But she does find love with Ryan's best friend Sean after the fire and death of her fiancé. Oh wait, I think I'll keep that one secret until it's finished. I only write full length and I am a pantser, so it comes when it will. Readers can reach me at my website, maryricksen.com, and as soon as my second book is finished I will post notice of it on my site.

Thank you Helen, for having me and giving me the chance to tell a little about my book. I hope you all love it! And may the New Year bring the best to everyone.

Mary, TTT sounds like a beautiful story. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. For you readers, the following excerpt is Adult Only.

“Keealyn wake up, you’re fine, it’s just a nightmare.” It took some time for her to realize where she was and shiver off the visions. Then it hit her.

“Alyssa! How is Alyssa?’" She turned to the soundly sleeping child. Alyssa was cool to the touch, and resting normally.

Ryan placed his finger over his lips, and took Keealyn’s hand. He led her from the room, and closed the door behind them.

“Let’s sit by the fire.” He added another log and poked at the fire to catch the new wood. “What were you dreaming about?” He settled his arm around her as they sat on the rug close to the fireplace. The flicker of the fire cast a warm glow on them. Keealyn hesitated, and then she began to tell him about the nightmares.

He listened intently, not quite understanding how her father could feel the need for that kind of discipline. Deprecating treatment only stole your child’s self worth.

“Let go of those dreams, Keealyn, that’s all over now. Your father is a different kind of man than I am. Maybe it’s because of my parents. They never ruled with an iron hand, but rather with a firm voice. It worked for me. I do understand how the treatment you got from the main man in your childhood could make you fear all men. I’m asking you to let it go. Realize once and for all what a good and worthwhile person you are. Life is too short to live over and over the hurts of your youth.” Then he kissed her.

She responded with passion. Her fingers found his chest, warm and alive beneath his unbuttoned shirt. Hesitantly they tasted one another’s lips. He unfastened her dress, hesitating until she gazed at him her eyes filled with desire, and pulled it over her head. Then he removed the chemise she wore beneath it. Cupping her breast, he stroked the hard peak of her nipple.

She arched into him. “Love me, Ryan. Please make love to me.”

They both fell back onto the rug as he yanked off his clothing. Soon they worked wordlessly toward the release they both sought and the ecstasy rippled between them.

He touched her soft, creamy skin, pale and firm, her warmth sent a ripple through his body as he held himself against hers. He could tell her innocence made her shy. So he laid his mouth on her neck and feathered kisses up and down from her throat to her jaw, which he soon alternated with light sucking.

She shivered, her eyes on him, trusting him to guide her, to show her how to make love. How to reach places she never knew existed, not even if she’d pleased herself like his sister told him some women did. He wanted to make this experience one she’d never forget.

His hands ran up and down her sides, she tried to touch him, but he grabbed both hands and held them above her head. He needed to feast. Slowly he lowered his hands to find her moist already. He touched her, and she wiggled and writhed, begging him to do more. His mouth, drawn from her full lips to her breasts, he nuzzled and licked their peaks to firm buds. Her moans, contained until now, poured from her. Her neck arched, body squirming. Hand still on her he began to rub, followed by one then two fingers moving in and out, wetting her further.

He let go of her hands and she touched him. Smoldering gaze upon him, she took a deep breath at the size of him. He chuckled.

“You laugh, but it’s so much bigger than I ever expected it to be. I’d never seen one hard before you. He covered her mouth with his, tasting her, his tongue and lips moving with volition of their own. She spread her legs in abandon. Offering herself freely, the emotion on her face melted his heart. He placed himself gently inside of her, slowly inching in until he filled her to the hilt. He muffled her small cry with a deep tender kiss. “I’ll never hurt you again, Keealyn, I swear.”

One lone drop glistened its way from the corner of her eye down to her chin. “I believe you, Ryan. I do.”

“It’s no wonder I fell for you before, ‘cause I feel myself falling for you again.”

In the afterglow as they lay by the fire snuggling closely, they talked.

The only thing Ryan knew for sure was that he had begun to fall in love with this woman, again, for the second time. He now knew why it had been so easy to the first time.