CONTEST Is March Coming In Like a Lion or a Lamb?

I'm thrilled to be teaming up with several other talented erotic romance authors to sponsor this contest for a $50.00 online gift certificate to Vibrator Warehouse.

To enter this fun scavenger hunt, visit each of the following websites, find an image of either a lion or a lamb, then make a list of the websites and whether you found a lion or a lamb and email your answers to eroticcontest@hotmail.com. The contest runs from March 1st through March 31st. The winner will be drawn the first week of April.

KyAnn Waters – http://www.kyannwaters.com/
Ann Campbell - http://www.anncampbell.webs.com/
Helen Hardt - http://www.helensheroes.blogspot.com/
Janna Lee Hayes - http://www.jannaleehayes.com/
Sara York - http://sarayork.blogspot.com/
Liza James - http://www.lizajamesauthor.com/

(By entering this contest, you may be added to a participating author's newsletter list.)

Have fun, and be sure to check out all the steamy offerings from these great authors while you're browsing their sites!

The Outlaw's Angel coming June 5, 2009!

Current read: Comanche Heat by Robin Gideon

I'm thrilled to announce another release date. The Outlaw's Angel, part of Lawmen and Outlaws, a Wild Rose Press Bouquet, will be available June 5, 2009.

Blurb:

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?

Other authors contributing to the anthology are Lauri Robinson, Loretta C. Rogers, and Linda Carroll-Bradd. Here's the blurb for the whole Bouquet:

Two lawmen are tested when they lose their hearts—

When runaway Hannah Stewart comes into his life, Sherriff Adam McBride is torn between the law and love. Sheriff Quinn Riley must find the swindler who stole from his town and his family--even if it means losing the woman he loves, Ciara Morrissey.

And two outlaws looking for redemption have their hearts stolen—

McKenna Smith wants a pardon and he'll do anything to get it, until he falls in love with the one person who can make it happen--Audra Tadlock. Bounty Hunter Bobby Morgan is innocent, but proving it won't be easy, especially when he falls for the beautiful preacher's daughter he’s kidnapped.

Last, but certainly not least, here's my image of my hero, Bobby (just change the gray-blue eyes to light brown):

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Peter Le

Current read: Love's Magic by Traci E. Hall

Yes, I stole another one from Kealie, LOL.


Meet Peter Le. At 26, he's a perfect hottie to end my "hunks under thirty" month, and he's also a dead ringer for my hero, Dylan, in Seduced in Seoul. Except Dylan has longer hair, of course. All my heroes have long hair ;). Peter is a personal trainer and model, and he's been known to model (gasp) nude!

MONDAY'S HERO -- Corin from Barely Legal

Current read: Slave by Cheryl Brooks

Today I'm excited to have my good friend and chaptermate Lizzie T. Leaf visiting to talk about Barely Legal, the debut story in the new Cougar Series from Aspen Mountain Press. Those of you who follow my blog know I've been showcasing "hunks under thirty" this month, so it's great timing to have Lizzie here to talk about her sexy cub, Corin.

Hi Lizzie! Tell us how you came up with the idea behind Barely Legal.

The book started with the comment to my husband in Las Vegas after a ride up on the elevator with two young men who were excited over their first Vegas trip. After we got off, I turned to my husband and said, "they're barely legal." From their the brain started playing and all the focus by the tabloids over celebrity OWYM romances added another element.

Blurb:
Katherine never understood her best friend Monique's attraction to younger men. Waiting for time to elaspe so she can file for divorce from her wandering husband, Katherine meets Corin, a younger man who helps her learn that age doesn't determine attraction.

We're all about the hero here, so tell us a little about Corin. What does he look like?

Tall and muscular, but not bulky. Dark Hair and eyes. A man with a head on his shoulders for business that has allowed him to position himself so when the bartending job he does for fun becomes a drag, he can move on. He's intelligent, caring, and determined. He wants a secure lifestyle and is starting to think about someone to share his life with in the not too distant future.

Why is Corin attracted to Katherine? And vice versa?

She doesn't put the moves on him the minute he sits down and she actually carries on a conversation. He also senses she's vulnerable and he wants to take care of her...not to mention, sexy as hell. She picks up on the fact that he's more than just a young pretty boy and wants to know more about him. Plus, he makes her feel more in the bedroom than she can remember feeling in a long time...if ever.

What was your inspiration for Corin?

For Katherine, a young man who wasn't out to score with an older woman was needed. She wasn't out for just sex, so he had to have other things going for him besides a hot body and talented hands. Corin is a compilation of a number of guys I've known over the years...maybe a couple of younger ones I knew in my single period...grin.

I've read Barely Legal, and Corin is very sexy. Are there any celebrities who capture his look?

Josh Duhamel who played Danny on the television show Las Vegas and is now married to Fergie, comes close. I changed to eye color, but the body and grin...what's not to love? Here he is him shirtless wearing a cowboy hat...fits the Stallions image don't you think?

For those of you who haven't yet read Barely Legal, Stallions is the name of the club where Corin works. Lizzie, what projects are you working on right now?

Red Rose Publishing wanted me to expand a short novella I received the rights back on last year...or was it the year before? Anyway, just finished and am waiting for my critique partners' comments and slaps. Time flies when you're having fun. In addition, I'm reworking another full length novel that was to have been another in the series of my now defunct publisher, plus I've started a mainstrean/women's fiction. Dogspell, the book for RRP will probably be next. Hope to have another for the Cougar Club series done by the end of summer, also. Check my website at www.lizzietleaf.com or join my yahoo group/newsletter http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LizziesTeaRoom/.

Before we end, please tell us something about yourself that might surprise people.

I'm a certified master gardener and I cook pretty well...at least my husband thinks so.

Well, I love to cook, but I'm a terrible gardener, LOL. I killed my poor pointsettia at Christmas. Thanks for being here, Lizzie! Readers, read on for a glimpse into Corin's mind:

Various death scenarios for Blaine played out in Corin’s head as they pushed their way through the mob. He’d smelled trouble the minute his friend showed up with their beers and a hot older woman at his side.

Monique was probably in her late thirties, but without an ounce of fat that he could detect on her lean body, and there was a lot of skin showing that allowed one to detect any number of things. A little too flat-chested for his taste, but to each his own was his life’s motto.

After the introductions, Blaine informed him they were joining Monique and her friend. Great. An evening avoiding the wandering hands of a randy older woman whose main conversation was what she wanted to do to him later wasn’t his idea of the perfect way to spend his birthday.

A quiet evening of reading would have suited him more. He didn’t get the chance to indulge in his favorite pastimes much these days. Between his work at the bar and remodeling the houses he bought, his time was limited. These days, diving into a good book or spending hours puttering in the kitchen creating new recipes were a luxury. Yeah, he liked to cook.

When he set the drinks that had been palmed off on him to juggle through the mobbed room onto the table, he didn’t miss the fact that Katherine wasn’t too thrilled to have company. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be as bad as he originally thought. He’d finish his beer and make up some excuse to escape. Hell, he could even tell the truth, he was tired.

The casual air of sophistication couldn’t be missed. From the way the chin-length bob haircut enhanced the rich honey blonde hair streaked with lighter shades, to the simple dress that pulled across her full bust line, the woman screamed class. She was more his type, at least in appearance. Her real woman’s body was much more interesting than Monique’s stick frame. He liked his women with a little meat on their bones and a nice chest didn’t hurt either.

Purchase Barely Legal here: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/more-hot-reads/barely-legal/prod_212.html

PASSION IN PARIS coming April 10!

Current read: The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory



The lovely and talented Angela Anderson designed this gorgeous cover for my upcoming Destination Pleasure Rosette, Passion in Paris. She's the same artist who designed the amazing cover for Seduced in Seoul.

Here's the blurb for Passion in Paris:

Attempting to overcome her fear of heights by visiting the top of the Eiffel Tower, Raine never expects to end up in the arms of a gorgeous Frenchman. But after fainting in the tower’s elevator, that’s where she awakens. Blaise is young, charming, and hot, so why, Raine wonders, is he attracted to her? And why does she have the strange feeling she’s seen him somewhere before?

And here's the hottie who inspired the gorgeous Blaise:

If that wasn't enough treat for you, LOL, head on over to Whipped Cream and check out my scrumptious recipe to make for your sweetie this weekend. Enjoy!

Come Visit Me at Mama Writers

Current read: The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory

Today I'm blogging over at Mama Writers and I'd love for you all to stop by. If you haven't been over there yet, this is the brain child of my good friend Renee Knowles, and I'm thrilled that she asked me to be a contributor. Let me know what you think of the site.

Tomorrow, I'll display my luscious new cover for Passion In Paris, which you can see in the thumbnail to the left. Angela Anderson outdid herself on this one. My wonderful editor, Diana Carlile, also gave me the release date: April 10, 2009.

And many thank to the lovely Catherine Bybee for giving me the "Kreativ Blogger" award. Now I get to award this to some more of my favorite blogs, so I'll be getting to that soon.

I'll see you all at Mama Writers!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Brent Van Zant

Current read: The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory

I totally stole this one from Kealie, LOL. But he's gorgeous, isn't he?

A great cub for my "under thirty" collection. Brent was born in Paradise, California. Why is that so sexy? He's twenty-nine, ladies. This next photo's a killer. Enjoy!

I Was Interviewed By Whipped Cream!

Current read: The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory

The lovely ladies at Whipped Cream interviewed me today. Check it out here. And yes, my husband really can tie a cherry stem with his tongue ;).

Tomorrow, I'll be the guest on the Whipped Cream loop and I'd love to see you all there. You can join the group here.

And on Thursday, I'll be at Mama Writers. So a busy week for me!

In other news, I'm now on Facebook. You can find me under Helen Hardt. If you're on Facebook, please friend me.

Stay tuned tomorrow for another glorious "hunk under thirty!"

MONDAY'S HERO -- Jay from Wanna Make a Bet?

Current read: Riding the Rail by Julia Devlin

Happy President's Day! I'm excited to welcome fellow Wild Rose Press author, Stacy Dawn, who has several releases available. Today she's talking about Wanna Make a Bet?, a contemporary romance novel. Hello Stacy, tell us how you came up with the idea for Wanna Make a Bet?

I always love the walls people put up to try and tell themselves that love doesn't exist or to tell themselves they aren't in love. That's sort of how this plot came about with two people denying not only themselves but the other as well and how far they would take it to prove themselves right.

Blurb:
Wanna make a bet? When aspiring artist and purposefully single Sophie Montgomery mutters those four fateful words, her sexy neighbor, Jay Coltrane, pounces on the opportunity to prove she's not as immune to him as she thinks. Before she knows it, Sophie finds herself not only betting against a seduction, she's betting against her own ability to keep her dreams intact and a certain luscious landscaper out of them.

What a great blurb! Tell us about your hero, Jay.

Jay is just plain HOT, that's the problem. But he's also a good guy which just seems to double his attention from the women. He's tall, broad, with baby blue eyes and a wicked smile and has a great sense of humor. He's a playboy but in the fun sense of the word. He thinks all he wants is to grow his landscaping business and have the fun and enjoyment of women in general. He's handsome, daring, and loyal.

How are he and Sophie drawn to each other?

Jay is drawn to Sophie on the one thing men can't resist--the one woman who seems to be immune to his charms. Why doesn't she fall for his quick wit and engaging conversation like the other ladies? To find out, he falls hook, line and sinker.

Sophie on the other hand is drawn to him slower, finding out that underneath the playboy persona is a good man, loyal to his friends, hard worker, someone you can count on and very different than the other men she's known in her life.

What was your inspiration for Jay?

He's the kind of man I'm attracted to, handsome yes, but what really makes him appealing is what lies beneath the perfect exterior, self-less and funny. Oh, there might be a special man that snuck into the character of Jay and he knows it.

LOL, I know what you mean about a special man sneaking into your character. What projects are you working on right now?

I'm working on a great project right now, an anthology for The Wild Rose Press's Wayback series with two wonderful authors. Cowboys, whew, I don't know if there is much better LOL. Speaking of which, I just had a release last month involving another cowboy...and cowgirl: Karaoke Cowgirl, available now at www.thewildrosepress.com.

How far would you go to attract the man of your dreams?

Ally Standish re-invents herself every Saturday night to sing for her cowboy. But when they come face to face in the light of a normal day—and he discovers the real Ally—will he let her sing him more love songs or will the music die for good.

I agree with you about cowboys... And I also happen to love karaoke! I actually won a karaoke contest during my recent trip to Jamaica. But back to the interview. How can readers keep up with your work?

I'm easy to find at www.stacydawn.com where you can find all my books on my bookshelf. I blog a couple times a week at www.stacydawn.blogspot.com too.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people.

I also write AND illustrate a children's ebook series, The Adventrues of Harriet, the Half-Pint Holstein available from www.firedrakesweyr.com. I've always loved sketching and painting as a hobby and was able to combine my enjoyment of both to do the covers for my series. And ebooks for Children is a new and exciting territory to be in.

How wonderful that you're able to do your own illustrating! Thanks so much for being here today, Stacy. Read on for an excerpt from Wanna Make a Bet?

Entering the small hallway connecting their two apartments, Sophie made a strategic mistake. She looked at Jay. The blue depths of his eyes instantly deepened to a rich sapphire.

Uh Oh.

She backed up the two steps to her door, turned and fidgeted with the lock. Sophie desperately wanted to go right in, more to the truth, run right in and hide. Unfortunately, ingrained manners forced her to turn before entering.

Jay stood close behind her, his moon-enhanced cologne teasing her senses. With a single breath, the temperature rose by degrees.

"Yes, well, I had a great time. Thank you." Sophie hated how her lip trembled when she offered him a smile.

The first two kisses came as a surprise. This one she saw coming a mile away yet the hand she held to block his way seemed to be the only part of her body currently connected to her brain. Every other part leaned forward wanting to bury themselves deep within him. Her lips practically screamed to be touched by his.

Come Visit Me at Emma's! And...I've Been Lemonaded!

Current read: Roped by Ann Jacobs

Fellow TWRP author Emma Lai interviewed me today at her blog. We'd both love for you to stop by and say hello!

On Monday, my good friend Paty Jager "lemonaded" me. Yes, LOL, apparently that's a good thing. It's the "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade" Award (The Lemonade Award, for short.)


It works this way: 1) Link back to the person you received the award from, and 2) Nominate 10 bloggers who are deserving of this award. Paty was kind and said she didn't want to harass those she chose. Me, I live for harassment ;). That said, here are ten blogs I frequent often and enjoy immensely. Note: I visit and enjoy many other blogs, but these particular ones are updated regularly. Sit back, mix yourself a nice fresh lemonade, and take a peek at these entertaining blogs.

Mama Writers
Christina Phillips
Monica Kaye
Cari Quinn
The Menagerie
Kaye Manro
Tricia Leigh Wood
Catherine Bybee
Paranormal Romance Writers
Emma Lai

And for your visual inspiration...


Have a great weekend!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Caco Ricci

Current read: Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Happy Wednesday! Before I get to today's hunk, I want to urge you all to go over to Colorado Vixens and cast your vote in the New Year, New Line contest. The top three lines are posted, and we need you to help determine the winner!

Today's cub was worth waiting for, wasn't he? I promised you hunks under thirty, but today I'm bending the rules a bit. Caco is actually thirty, but he's so delicious I had to include him. This hot model hails from Brazil, and he's fluent in Portuguese, English, and Italian. Italian sweet nothings, anyone? And what do you think -- with chest hair or without? I personally prefer with.

The Beauty of Scotland

Current read: Valentine's Day is Killing Me (Brava Anthology)

My good friend and fellow Vixen, Tricia Leigh Wood, spent part of the holidays in Scotland. She's posted some amazing photos over at Colorado Vixens.

Can't you just picture a kilted hero standing here at Uriqhart Castle, waiting for his love?

For more beautiful and inspiring photos, head over to the Vixens' blog.

MONDAY'S HERO -- Ian from Lady in a Box

Current read: Some Like It Wicked by Teresa Medeiros

Please help me welcome author Eliza Knight! Eliza and I met on the new Mama Writers Blog, where we're both contributors. Her erotic short, Lady in a Box, just released on Friday at The Wilder Roses. It's the second in her Highland Jewel Series.

Good morning, Eliza! Tell us a little about the plot of Lady in a Box.

First, I want to say thank you so much for the interview! I'm excited to be here :).

And I'm thrilled to have you!

Lady In A Box is the second story in my Highland Jewel Series. I wanted to continue the story, and even though it is part of a series, you can read it as a stand alone story. I got the idea for the first story, Warrior In A Box, from a writer friend of mine, Denisse with Celtic Hearts. We have online parties and she always gives out Highlanders in a box as our party favor—and believe me if there was such a thing I’d have like 50! She sponsored a writing contest about our sexy friends and thus, Donell was born. After creating his story, I wanted to write about his twin brother, Ian, the hero in Lady In A Box. The third story Love In A Box, will be released later this spring.

Blurb:

Ian has been left Laird of Clan MacDuff after his brother Donell travels through time to be with his true love. The clan embraces him as their leader, and now to secure his own position, Ian decides he must take a wife. After imbibing on one two many gulps of ale, Ian toys with his brother’s brooch, the very catalyst to his present situation. When the air turns thick with fog, Ian panics that he’s traveled through time, but is comforted by the familiar surroundings of his bedroom. And what’s this? A beautiful naked woman is lying next to him…

Natalie Blackwood, a Scottish historian, wakes up in her own naughty fantasy: making love to a medieval Highlander who strums her body like a fine-tuned instrument. Even better, she’s in a medieval keep set up by--she thinks--her best friend.

When it all becomes a reality, Natalie has some tough decisions to make. Can she stay in Ian's world? Beyond earth-shattering bliss, can Ian convince her they were made for each other?

Sounds very hot! And I love the cover, by the way. But let's get to the meat, your hero. Tell us about your sexy Highlander, Ian.

Ian is a the ultimate alpha male, with a sensitive side. He's a leader and confirmed bachelor until he meets our heroine, Natalie. At 6'5", Ian is full of muscle, and his kilt shows them off to his best advantage. Tanned on every inch of skin, it's obvious he sunbathes in the nude... Piercing green eyes will undress you, a full wide mouth will curve into a devilish glint, and long dark brown wavy hair will take you back in time.

Before Ian meets Natalie, he just wants to do what is right by his people, and bed as many women as possible. But, when she comes into his life, he realizes he wants more than that, and that one woman is more than enough and love is real.

I asked Ian to give me three adjectives to describe himself, and I think he's dead on: intoxicating, loyal, charming.

6' 5"? Wow! I'm 5' 9" myself, and I love a tall hero. Tell us about the chemistry between Ian and Natalie. Why are they drawn to each other?

Ian is first drawn to Natalie because he knows about the brooch and that it has brought them together. But as he gets to know her, he falls in love with her vibrancy and intelligence. Her thirst for life matches his, and not to mention she's a tigress in bed. Natalie is drawn to Ian at first because of her obsession with history, then she can't get enough of his powerful lovemaking. But in the end she stays because she's fallen in love with the strong, charismatic man that he is.

What inspired you to create Ian?

Well, Donell, his twin brother, inspired me to create this story...I love a man in a kilt. Thoughts of Gerard Butler, Vin Diesel, Mel Gibson, Ewan McGregor all captured on camera in kilts helped :). As well as the beautifully made men of the Lawson's scotch commercials... Whew! *fanning self*

Sorry, did you say something after Gerard Butler? *sigh* Just kidding. My blog readers know he's my favorite hunk. I love a man in a kilt, too. But back to the interview ;). What projects are you working on right now?

I am working on two medieval romance novels, part of a three book series. I love writing my books in series, being able to connect my characters and worlds that I create is a lot of fun. I'm also working on a Regency erotic novel, which is--you guessed it, part of a series. I have to admit I've only written one story that wasn't part of a series. Love Will Bloom, is a Regency novella that will release on 7/22/09. I also have a Regency series, Men of the Sea. The first book Her Captain Returns, is available now. The second, Her Captain Surrenders, will release later this year, and I am almost finished writing the third, Her Captain Dares All. Readers can keep up with my work several different ways! I have a website, www.elizaknight.com, and you can sign up for my newsletter there. I also have a MySpace page, www.myspace.com/elizaknight, and a couple of blogs, www.historyundressed.blogspot.com, www.thepenmuse.blogspot.com, and www.mamawriters.com.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people.

A lot of people are surprised to learn that I am really blonde :) and I dye my hair black...

That is surprising! Thank you so much for being here, Eliza, and I know everyone will love Lady in a Box. Readers, here's a short excerpt (warning: adults only, explicit sex and language.)

Natalie Blackwood woke to the feel of a stubbly chin grazing her neck and coarse fingertips running up the length of her ribs. She moaned from the delectable sensation. Her eyelids slipped closed, only to pop back open a second later.

Warm green eyes, fringed by dark lashes, captured her gaze. Natalie took in the handsome chiseled features and warm full lips. Lips that only moments before had been on her skin.

“Dinnae be afraid, lass.”

Oh.... His Scottish burr was like a sinful caress. What a perfect fantasy.

“I’m not afraid.” She flashed a smile and was rewarded with a devilish wink and wolfish grin from the sexy man.

Natalie glanced about the room, sighing in contentment. An avid history buff and Gaelic instructor, this was her dream. She didn’t think she could have imagined it any better.

“A saucy lady, eh?” He leaned down to nibble along her chin.

“Only for you,” she teased, gliding her hands along his arms, massaging his shoulders.

“Aye, only for me.”

His lips descended on her mouth, claiming her, his tongue delving in and rubbing against hers. Tendrils of yearning curled their way around her insides. Her pussy pulsed, quickly flooding, waiting for him to plunge inside. He tasted of spices…cinnamon.

His hands slid down the length of her taut abdomen and caressed the curve of her hip. She swayed her hips closer, urging him to continue with his exploration.

“Yer so tiny, me little vixen,” he mumbled as his mouth traveled from hers to taste her neck.

His breath was hot against her skin, so real, so genuine. Was it possible she wasn’t fantasizing?

His hands gripped her ass, kneading the muscle and flesh, before sliding lower to caress and massage her thighs.

Natalie moaned, and nipped at his neck, letting her hands probe the muscles of his back and chest.

“What’s yer name?” he breathed, his lips lowering to capture a taut nipple. He suckled gently, then harder.

What was her name? He was taking away all rational notions from her mind. “Natalie,” she moaned.

“Natalie. Verra pretty.”

GOT HUNKS?

Current read: Some Like It Wicked by Teresa Medeiros.

Like hunks?

Head on over to The Menagerie and vote for your favorite. And oh my, are there some nice ones...

Then don't forget to check out Tricia's hunk at Colorado Vixens.

And be sure to visit here again on Monday to meet author Eliza Knight, and Wednesday for the next cub to be featured during "Hunks under Thirty" month.

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Gabriel Garro

Current read: Hungarian Masquerade by Lara Dien

My good friend Lizzie T. Leaf just launched a new Cougar series over at Aspen Mountain Press, and asked me to consider writing a story for the line. So lately I've had cougars and cubs on the brain ;). I know everyone enjoyed "Hunks over Forty," so this month I've decided to showcase "Hunks under Thirty." That's right, cougars, take a look at some mouth-watering cubs!

(And by the way, "Hunks over Forty" will be back next month!)

First up is Gabriel Garro, a Costa Rican model. This hottie is only twenty-two! Yes, a little young for most of us, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun looking. And drooling. Enjoy!

NEW RELEASE and February Goals

Current read: Barely Legal by Lizzie T. Leaf

Hey all, I have a new rose petal posted at The Wilder Roses! It's a companion story to Seduced in Seoul, and has a Valentine's Day theme. This is a hot one (double rose), and now that I've lifted the gate on my blog (some of my friends were having a difficult time getting here), I can't post any of it here ;). But no worries -- you can find it here. And it's FREE.

Onto my goals for February. January was difficult. As some of you know, I do freelance editing work, and I was swamped last month. I barely made my writing goals, and though I did manage to get through them, I see much revision in my future. So this month I'm tying up loose ends. I won't be writing anything new, with the exception of synopses. I have two novellas and a novel in my mind, and I'd like to write synopses for them. I wrote my upcoming novella, The Outlaw's Angel, from a synopsis. This was the first time I wrote a synopsis first, and it was a huge help to me. So I'm going to try again.

That said, here are my February writing goals:

1. Revise two novellas

2. Write three synopses

That's it. And yes, it will be a challenge with everything else that's going on. I have two interviews scheduled this month and I'm involved in the new Mama Writers Blog. That plus keeping up with this blog and the Vixens' blog is keeping me busy. Not to mention my editing work. Plus, I'm going to have to do my taxes at some point. So don't want to go there...

I'm taking it easy on myself this month. A Valentine's treat, so to speak ;).

Hope February has started with a bang for all of you. Come back tomorrow for Wednesday's hunk!

MONDAY'S HERO -- Michele from Passion in Paradise

Current read: Barely Legal by Lizzie T. Leaf

January just flew by, didn't it? Here we are in February already, and I'm happy to welcome Suzanne Brandyn as my first guest this month. Suzanne and I met over on Christina's blog. Her story, Passion in Paradise, was released recently by The Wild Rose Press. Who doesn't love a romance set in an exotic location? This one is sure to please.

Welcome, Suzanne! Tell us how you came up with idea behind Passion in Paradise.

I spent some time diving around the Whitsunday islands, QLD Australia, and The Great Barrier Reef and fell in love with the area. This is where the plot idea came from. I wanted to set a story around the Great Barrier Reef and have the hero and heroine stranded on an island.

Blurb: Jacqueline Ryan's love belongs to only one man, Michele Ranieri, who left her with a broken heart. Five years later he's back, and she's determined to lay old feelings to rest. She wants closure on something she thinks is puppy love. But when she confronts him it escalates into full-blown love.

Michele Ranieri has always reserved a special place in his heart for Jacqueline. When stranded on a deserted island and having amnesia, he questions why they weren't more than friends.

A kiss in a freshwater stream has her reassessing her situation. Finding temptation at close range impossible to refuse, she forgets about what is waiting for her back home. But when Jacqueline is lost during a storm, when Michele's memory returns, and when rescue forces reality back into their lives, will their love be lost forever?

Your hero has a very exotic name -- Michele Ranieri. Tell us about him.

Michele is an Italian, and naturally portrays the magnetism of a European male with dark, glossy hair, and dark eyes. He is physically strong and his commanding chest proves to be something Jacqueline cannot ignore. Michele’s main goal (in the beginning of the story) is to gain custody of his four year old son. He is caring, determined, and a loving father.

What draws him to the heroine, Jacqueline?

In the beginning it is her sweet character, her looks, etc. But as the story evolves it’s her determination and strength. Plus the fact that she rescued him from the sinking aircraft. He feels indebted to her.

What draws her to him?

His confidence, his ability to make her laugh, and she is drawn to his sexy Italian accent. Especially the way he says her name. She loves the way in which he displays concern for her well being ensuring she is safe.

Who or what inspired you to create this hero? Is there a little bit of someone you know in him?

No. He is purely created from my imagination. I do hold a great imagination. My mind is full of stories.

Like all writers' minds are ;). What projects are you working on right now?

I have two contemporaries with publishers, and finalising another to send away.

What other releases do you have?

I do believe slow and steady makes history. Lol. Passion In Paradise was the very first manuscript I submitted to The Wild Rose Press. I intend to submit another soon. Hopefully there will be more news this year.

How can readers keep up with your work?

By stopping by my website: http://www.suzannebrandyn.com/ and visiting my blog.

Let's go off topic for a minute. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people.

I enjoy and have a flair for painting pictures and internal decorating. I intend to paint another mural on our wall, something similar to my web page with the shells and flowers surrounding the ocean.

I've been to your website and it's gorgeous! What a fun talent to have. Thank so much for being here today, Suzanne. Readers, here's a short excerpt from Passion in Paradise.

“Here.” He passed his shirt toward her. “I think that’ll be a little warmer for you to sleep in than a bra and knickers. You can use the other towel to cover yourself for warmth. If you do get cold, there’s nothing like slipping into a pair of warm arms.”

Oh hell, slipping into a pair of warm arms. All the fluid in her body slowed, leaving her with images of curling up beside him. She drew in a heavy breath. “Thank you, but I’ll manage,” she spluttered.

She was wrong.

All she could think of was slipping into those very arms beside her. She turned her back and slipped off her bra and when his shirt slipped over her head, it felt soft and warm, with the remains of his aroma hovering much too close. She closed her eyes for a second, feeling the essence of him rotate around her. What was she doing?

She quickly tugged the shirt over her thighs. It was long enough to be a short mini skirt, but she decided to leave her knickers on.

“Thank you for your shirt,” she whispered.

“You’re welcome.’’ His voice was a slow, husky drawl. “I dried it out on the fire when you were changing.”

Through the golden glow of the firelight streaming through the opening, she could make out his bare chest. Her gaze ran over the contour of his muscles.

“Enjoying the view?”

Involuntary movements jerked through the full length of her body. “I was…I was looking at the shelter.” Feeling mortified he’d caught her ogling over him, she turned her back to face him and closed her eyes having at least some gratitude he was the closet to the opening.