HUMP-DAY HUNK -- David Gandy

Current read: Bestial Cravings by Dayana Knight

Ah, the Dolce and Gabbana guy...six feet and two inches of gorgeous man. David is a British model of Scottish descent, born in 1980 in Billericay, Essex. Here's the ad that made him famous. It takes a great body to look good in that white speedo...

Now those are bedroom eyes...

MONDAY'S HERO -- Derek from Sapphire and Gold

Current read: Bestial Cravings by Dayana Knight

Here we are on the last Monday in June already. Summer does fly by! Please help me welcome debut novelist Penny Rader. Sapphire and Gold, an American historical romance, released Friday at The Wild Rose Press.

Penny Rader, born and raised in Kansas, fell in love with reading from the moment she learned to read, and quickly made the library her second home, enjoying stories with strong heroines, biographies of women, and mysteries. Penny discovered romance novels in the eighth grade and knew she'd read these empowering books for the rest of her life.

Years later she decided to learn to write her favorite kind of books. She discovered Romance Writers of America, which she quickly joined. Realizing she needed a writing support system she set about organizing the Wichita Area Romance Authors. If Penny isn't working, reading, or writing, she's probably watching a movie or one of her favorite TV shows or enjoying her family.

Welcome, Penny! How did you come up with the idea for Sapphire and Gold?

I was watching an episode of an old series, Rawhide. This episode opened along a river bank and something floated by. It made me wonder, what if a young woman was in the river, being pulled along by the current and in danger of drowning? Why was she there? Who would save her?

Blurb:
In 1752 Philadelphia, Alexandra Whittaker overhears the man who has raised her--and intends to marry her--admit to kidnapping her. She then uncovers a locket containing a portrait of herself as a child. Confused and frightened, she flees, heading for Williamsburg, Virginia, the place inscribed on the back of the locket. On her way out of Philadelphia, she stumbles across a bear and ends up in the river.

Sea Captain Derek Tremaine is guilt-ridden over the disappearance of a small girl left in his care as a youth. Always searching for her, he hears she may be alive and travels to Philadelphia where he discovers an unconscious young woman in the river. She bears a strong resemblance to the mother of the missing girl who has haunted his dreams. He is drawn to assist and protect her as she sails with him to Williamsburg in her hunt for answers about her life. But will the truth give them peace and allow their growing love for one another to blossom? Or will it drive them apart?

I love that blurb! Tell us about Derek.

Derek Tremaine is a tall, dark, and gorgeous sea captain. I love tall guys, even though I’m on the short side myself. He has longish dark hair and the most gorgeous golden brown eyes. He most wants to be free of the guilt that has driven him for the past fourteen years. He's protective, driven, and responsible.

I love tall heroes, too, but I'm on the tall side ;). Describe the attraction between Derek and his heroine, Alexandra.

Derek is drawn to Alexandra because she is in danger, which definitely brings out his protective instincts. She’s also a wee bit feisty, which he admires (in spite of himself).

Alexandra is drawn to Derek because she sees the tenderness he tries to conceal by being gruff. There’s also the fact that he’s so handsome he takes her breath away.

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

There used to be a series called Stingray. The star of the show was Nick Mancuso. I was fascinated by him.

Good inspiration! What projects are you working on right now?

I’m in the planning stages of a new contemporary series.

I do have a free read available through The Wild Rose Press. A Colonial Valentine is a prequel to Sapphire and Gold. Here’s the link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/a-colonial-valentine-p-1143.html.

Readers can keep up with me through my website, http://www.pennyrader.com/ and my blog, Perfectly Penny, http://pennyrader.blogspot.com/. I also blog the 21st of every month at Bits & Bytes: Romance…the Writer’s Way, http://warawriters.blogspot.com/.

Off topic question -- what is the strangest, most surreal thing you’ve ever done?

Buried my five month old grandbaby, Lexi. We weren’t expecting to lose her. She would’ve been three tomorrow. Readers can learn more about her at www.lexislamb.org.

Oh Penny, that goes beyond surreal. It's so difficult to lose someone so young. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for being here today to share Sapphire and Gold with us.

Excerpt:

The last vestiges of pain ebbed. She opened her eyes and thought she caught a fleeting glimpse of concern cross his handsome features. Her fingers felt along the bandage on her brow. "What happened to me?"

"You fell into the river and hit your head. Max and I pulled you out."

"Max?"

"My dog. Come, Max."

The Newfoundland eased his large frame between his master and Alexandra. She gasped in surprise--he outweighed her by at least three stone! She tried to sit up.

The man assisted her. "Easy now, lest you cause yourself further injury. Mayhap you should lie still." Impatience crept into his voice again.

She winced at his mild rebuke and lowered her gaze, only to realize she was clad in her bed gown. "Sir, has a woman been caring for me?"

"Nay." Amusement glittered in his eyes. "Women are not allowed on vessels. They bring bad luck."

Heat flooded her cheeks, but she forced herself to continue. "I'm--" She cleared her throat and tried again. "I'm not wearing my pink dress."

"Aye, that is true." He nodded, his expression unfathomable.

COVER ART FOR BLOOD WOLF and a Great Review for Thai'd Up!

Current read: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult




I'm thrilled with my new cover art for Blood Wolf. This is the story that won the Got Wolf? contest over at The Wild Rose Press. It will be featured in an anthology with the other long winner, My Lord Werewolf by Ria Ellis. The cover, designed by the wonderful Angela Anderson, is dark and gothic and suits the story perfectly. According to my lovely editor, Callie Lynn Wolfe, it's perfect for Ria's story, as well, which I'm looking forward to reading. Look for the book in October!

I'm also thrilled with the wonderful review the lovely Chrissy over at Blue Ribbon Reviews gave Thai'd Up. She says:

Heidi Clarke is visiting Thailand where she'll interview the male model who'll grace the cover of her magazine's "International Men" calendar. She can't resist the temptation to venture out and explore the area and she certainly isn't about to let the simple fact that she knows very little of the Thai language deter her from experiencing the local flavor.

Since she has the evening free of responsibilities and has been reassured that Bangkok is safe and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, Heidi heads out and finds herself caught up in the various activities on the streets. It's a sort of culture shock and the mixture of stimuli is stunning...

THAI'D UP is one of the international short stories that make up Wild Rose Press's DESTINATION PLEASURE series. The title is a play on the BDSM club name which I thought was rather creative on the author's part. Helen Hardt brings the uniqueness of the Thai area together with the characters' interest in the BDSM lifestyle and pulls the reader into Heidi and her mystery man's burgeoning relationship.

Have a great weekend!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Antonio Balsamo

Current read: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult


Those of you who know me know I love longer hair on a man... Meet Antonio Balsamo, age twenty-five, brown hair, brown eyes. Need I say more?

MONDAY'S HERO -- Ethan from Miner in Petticoats

Current read: A Little Harmless Pleasure by Melissa Schroeder

I can't believe June is nearly over! This summer is going quickly. Please welcome Eppie winner Paty Jager, a good friend of mine. Paty writes western historical romances, a sub-genre that I love. Her latest, Miner in Petticoats, is available at The Wild Rose Press.

Wife, mother, grandmother, and the one who cleans pens and delivers the hay, award winning author Paty Jager not only writes about the western lifestyle, she lives it. Jager and her husband of thirty years have raised four children, built a house, and now ranch 350 acres.

Jager began her writing career as a freelance reporter for local newspapers. Found RWA (Romance Writers of America) and after eight years of attending many conferences, workshops, and being a finalist in eight contests, she broke into the publishing industry with The Wild Rose Press. She credits the RWA organization for helping her work on her craft to become a published author and giving her the contacts necessary to build her career.

Welcome Paty! Tell us about Miner in Petticoats.

The plot for this book came about knowing who the hero was, Ethan Halsey, the oldest of five brothers who raised his younger siblings after their parents and youngest brother were murdered. It was instilled upon him from an early age as the oldest he must help provide for the family. So he is determined to make something of the mine their father started. To do this, he is establishing a stamp mill and has found the perfect place to set one up. Only problem is the widow who owns the land isn’t about to part with it or be bossed around by a man again. This book came about as two strong willed people believing they shouldn’t find happiness because of their pasts.

When I read this book, one of the things that intrigued me about Ethan was his inexperience with women. Seems it's usually the other way around in a romance, especially in an historical. Tell us about him.

Ethan Halsey is 6’6”, with broad shoulders that scrape door jambs when he walks through. Shaggy chestnut brown hair, kind brown eyes, soft voice that mesmerizes animals and small children until he gets mad, then his size and steel in his voice is something to be reckoned with. Having raised his brothers, he isn’t looking to raise a family or marry. He’s determined to make the mine a family legacy and earn the respect of his family and the community. He's strong-willed and cunning.

I love tall heroes, probably because I'm 5' 9" myself ;). Your heroine, Aileen, has been widowed twice and is wary of men. Why is Ethan attracted to her? And vice versa?

Ethan is drawn to Aileen by her she-bear attitude when it comes to her children, her tenacity to hold on to what is hers, her strength in adversity, and her business acumen. Of course her dark brown hair with red and copper woven through the tresses, her freckles, and her tall full figure as well as her lyrical Scottish accent help as well.

Aileen softens toward Ethan when her four-year-old daughter wraps him around her finger. And she enjoys their verbal duels. He is so large she fears him physically after having an abusive husband, but she learns he would never lift a hand against a woman or child. But he slowly pushes away her fears and enters her heart.

What inspired you to create Ethan?

Honestly, I’m not sure where Ethan came from other than how he was portrayed in the first two books and I spring boarded off that. There’s always a little bit of my husband in every hero only because he has qualities I admire in a man and add them to my heroes.

I hear that a lot. My husband contributes to all my heroes, as well. What's next for you?

I’m currently writing the fourth Halsey brother book, I’ve started a project with another writer about two sisters, I‘ve started a Christmas historical western novella, I have two completed ms out to agents and editors and I have a historical paranormal being reviewed by an editor.

I have the first two books of the Halsey series available--Marshal in Petticoats and Outlaw in Petticoats; a historical western-- Gambling on an Angel; and a contemporary western--Perfectly Good Nanny which received an EPPIE.

Readers can enter my monthly website contest or read excerpts and reviews for my books at http://www.patyjager.com or follow what’s happening in my life on my blog http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com.

Congratulations on the Eppie and your other successes! Now for the fun question -- what is the strangest, most surreal thing you’ve ever done?

Wow--strangest, most surreal thing I’ve ever done… Well it isn’t something that I did; it is something that happened to me. When I was fifteen we had an older gentleman, Louie, who was friends of the family who was a Little League and Babe Ruth umpire. When he umped tournaments in Walla Walla, WA, a two hour drive from where we lived in Wallowa County, he’d take my older brother or me along to drive him home afterwards because he was tired. One night when I drove Louie back, he was asleep in the passenger seat. I’m not sure where it came from but there was a fog across the road, and mind you, this was late June or early July in NE Oregon, and I saw a man walking slowly across the road in tattered clothes. I slammed on the brakes, throwing Louie forward. There was nothing in the road and the fog had dissipated. Louie asked me why I slammed on the brakes. I told him a deer was in the road. I still don’t know who or what I saw, but one day I’m sure my research for a story will reveal who that lost soul was walking in front of me.

Very interesting! I love stories like that. I hope your research helps you solve the mystery. Thank you for being here, Paty! And here's Ethan:

“I’m sorry it took something so drastic to get you moved in.” He placed a hand on her cheek and smoothed the worry lines beside her eye with his thumb. “But I’m glad you’re here. I’ll feel better.”

She turned and kissed his palm. “Thank ye fur comin’ tae ma rescue.” The warmth in her eyes and the moist spot where she kissed his palm sent need coursing through his body. He slid his hand to the back of her head and drew her up on her toes. The inviting smile on her pink lips aroused him even more.

He lowered his head and touched her petal soft mouth. Her lips parted and the tip of her tongue traced the seam of his mouth. He wasn’t sure what she asked, but he opened. The sensation of her soft, sweet tongue touching his nearly buckled his knees. He sagged against her, clutching her body against him, using her as a prop to hold him up. So there was more to kissing than just touching lips.

She rubbed against him, hardening his shaft even more and eliciting a moan. He pulled back unsure how far this would or should go. Cripes- there were children and his brothers lurking about somewhere.

The sultry look in her eyes and the smile curving her lips were his undoing. Ethan pulled her back into his arms, kissing her as she’d just kissed him. To taste a woman- this woman - was heady. If he’d known how kissing could jolt the body and how good a woman felt in his arms, he’d have courted a long time ago.

Win a Copy of LAWMEN AND OUTLAWS

Current read: A Little Harmless Pleasure by Melissa Schroeder.

Visit me today at my friend Kaye Manro's blog, where I'm talking about sensory detail in love scenes. Leave a comment, and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a print copy of Lawmen and Outlaws, which contains my novella, The Outlaw's Angel. Hope to see you there!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Hugh Plummer

Current read: The Parlor House Daughter by Joanne Sundell


I stumbled across this hottie while surfing the web. Unfortunately, I couldn't find much information on Hugh, other than he's a model and he's 6' 3" tall. Works for me!

MONDAY'S HERO -- Bobby from The Outlaw's Angel

Current read: Miner in Petticoats by Paty Jager

Today I'm talking about the hero in my newest release, Bobby Morgan in The Outlaw's Angel, one of four western historical novellas in Lawmen and Outlaws, a Wild Rose Press Bouquet.

I have to admit, Bobby is one of my favorites of all the heroes I've created. He's strong, independent, passionate, and a little haunted. And of course he's drop dead gorgeous ;). He resembles Brazilian model Henri Castelli, only his eyes are light brown rather than Henri's bluish gray. Bobby has been on his own since age ten, and is used to getting out of scrapes by whatever means present themselves at the time. When he's wrongly accused of murder in a small Dakota town, the means present themselves in the form of Naomi Blackburn, the local preacher's daughter.

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?

I think what I adore most about Bobby is his capacity to love -- something he's denied in himself for over two decades. But that passion has always been a part of him, and when he finally allows it to surface, his love for Naomi is fierce, loyal, and absolute.

“Damn!” Bobby stood up and raked his hand through his already tousled hair. “Naomi, I make my living hunting men. I kidnapped you. And now I’ve committed murder. I’m a fugitive, runnin’ from the law. I got nothin’ to give you. Nothin’.”

“You’ve got yourself. That’s all I want. You.”

He sighed and plunked back down on the bed, not facing her. “I got nothin’. No right at all to love you.”

Naomi’s heart jumped, but she held herself steady. She smoothed her palm over his sleek shoulder. “You’ve got the right to love whomever you please, Bobby. I’d be honored if it were me.”

He turned then, and she saw the truth in his eyes before he said the words. Her insides melted.

“It is, darlin’. I haven’t loved another in twenty-two years. Time was, I thought I might have forgotten how. But I love you, Naomi, with everything I am.”

BRUNCH WITH CHRISTINA

Current read: Miner in Petticoats by Paty Jager

Come on over to Christina's blog where I'm talking about Thai'd Up, which is holding at number three over at The Wilder Roses.

Lawmen and Outlaws, the anthology containing The Outlaw's Angel, is currently at number six on the bestseller list at The Wild Rose Press. Shawn over at You Gotta Read gave the anthology a wonderful review:

A thoroughly enjoyable set of stories. Each story had its own cadence and feel to it and I enjoyed them all very much. It did not feel like one book broken into four sections nor did it feel like they were repeating the same storyline four times over. I thought the descriptions of the characters and surroundings were real and I was able to place myself within each story.

Have wonderful weekend!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Charles Paz

Current read: Shared by Wolves by Rena Marks

What gorgeous eyes! Meet Mr. Romance 2009 himself -- Charles Paz. My good friends Monica Kaye and Tricia Leigh Wood had the pleasure of meeting Charles at the RT convention, and according to them, he's a truly nice and sweet man. I got the chance to chat with Charles myself via Facebook.

What qualities do you look for in a woman?

Hmmm... You know what? I never really thought about it. I don't usually go looking. They usually find me. It just doesn't happen as often as people think it does to me. I'm lucky if I go out once a month. But when I do look, it's usually personality. If they click with me. Must have a sense of humor and not be so uptight and full of themselves. Has to be a family girl. That's very important. Must be understanding and supportive of how things are in my life. I'm a little complicated, but hey, so is everyone else.

I think you'll be going out way more than once a month with Mr. Romance under your belt ;). Where do you like to take a woman on the first date?

I would take a woman to a place called Dave n Busters. They have a restaurant/bar area and lots of video games, pool tables, and other fun stuff to do. Dinner and a movie is not the best way to go in my opinion. At this place, you are allowed to interact with each other. Have a great time. See what makes the other person laugh, and have conversation while playing cool games and having drinks at the same time. That sounds like a much better way to have a first date and get to know somebody then sitting through a boring movie.

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Oh Man, I can only choose one? Uhmm, lets go with GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE from COLDSTONE or CHOCOLATE MALTED CRUNCH from THRIFTY'S.

I'm a Ben and Jerry's Brownie Batter girl myself. Favorite color?

GREEN. Always been Green.

Did you notice I gave you green print? LOL. That's my older son's favorite color, too. What is your ultimate goal in life?

It's the same one I had at the RT Convention. Get married. Have kids. Raise a family and be happy.

I can't think of a better goal than that ;). Thanks, Charles! Ladies, the rest is for you...

MONDAY'S HERO -- Brix from Marrying Minda

Current read: Shared by Wolves by Rena Marks

I'm thrilled to have Tanya Hanson visiting today. Her new release, Marrying Minda, is already climbing up the charts at The Wild Rose Press. Tanya, welcome! Tell us a little about yourself.

A Southern California native, I live on the coast with my firefighter husband, a real-life hero in every sense. He spent his career fighting wildfires and last year fought the battle of his life against testicular cancer. He kicked its ass and is now cancer-free. Ladies, get your men to do monthly TSE’s. (testicular self-exams). Checking their balls can save their life. He thought it was a hernia!

Our son and daughter selected spouses we adore, and now with our two-year old grandson in the world, life is pretty perfect. My career as a high school English teacher helped me hone my own writing skills, and my love of Happily Ever After combined with my interest in the Old West helps me create historical romances set in the 1880’s.

I can't agree more about the TSEs. Ladies, they're just as important as your own breast self exams, which you should all be doing. Make sure your men are taking care of themselves, too. Onto Marrying Minda. How did you come up with the idea?

I have always loved mail-order bride stories. The idea of a couple who agrees to be together but has never met, and then has to work it out in real life speaks out to me. I guess because nowadays, couples don’t even consider marriage until they’ve dated, usually for years, and many times have lived together. Then it takes a year to plan the wedding!

I love the journey of a couple falling in love. So I threw in the snafu of the bride marrying a man other than the one she signed up for -- a man who definitely doesn’t want to be married.

Blurb:
Mail-order bride Minda Becker arrives in Paradise, Nebraska and eagerly marries the handsome man who meets her stagecoach. His wedding kiss melts her toes. Too bad he's the wrong bridegroom. Cowboy Brixton Haynes can't deny he'd like a wedding night with the eastern beauty, but the last thing he needs is to be saddled with a wife and the three children his brother left behind. First chance he gets, he'll be back point riding along the Goodnight. But leaving Minda proves to be much harder than he expected.

We're all about the hero here, and Brix is a great one ;). Tell us a little about him.

He’s tall, dark and handsome…just like my husband who is my ultimate hero. But left-handed because I am. Brix was abandoned as a kid by his own pa, so he’s convinced himself he doesn’t have it in him to be a family man either. Then, getting cheated on by his ex-fiancée back in Texas has closed his mind and heart to any other woman. Why he ends up marrying Minda is one of the story’s little twists.

At the start of the story, all Brix wants is the freedom of the cattle trails, where he knows what to do, where he has wide open spaces around him, a horse under him, and no roof over his head. Home and hearth have no appeal, and he lets Minda know straight up that he can’t wait to get back to his life in Texas. He's hard-nosed, loyal, and determined.

My husband is my ultimate hero, too. I hear that a lot from authors. Brix obviously doesn't want to be tied down, so what draws him to Minda?

First, it’s just physical. Then his heart is touched at how much she cares for a passel of orphans not even her own, and how resilient she is in a brand new place where she has no friends or money.

And how is Minda drawn to Brix?

Physical at first, too, in addition to all her hopes and dreams of finally having a husband and home of her own. Then she witnesses him acting with love toward his orphaned nieces and nephew…braiding hair, singing lullabies, telling stories. He might be hard-bitten, but she suspects he has soft spots somewhere.

There's nothing quite so exciting as finding those soft spots! What inspired you to create Brix?

I love alpha and beta combinations, and I think Brixton has it. He could save himself from inside a tornado…yet his heart breaks when a baby girl gets sick. He’s too stubborn at first to admit his affection, yet I think the reader sees it right off. Every time he plans to leave for Texas, something happens to keep him in Paradise, Nebraska, and secretly, he’s glad he gets to stay although he’d never admit it.

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

My hubby. They both are men of few words but know when to speak out. They’ve got a soft side but both know when to put their foot down and are not afraid of danger. Their credo: anybody who’s cruel to kids, critters or women isn’t any kind of man at all. And well, they both know how to treat their woman right…if you know what I mean.

Are there any celebrities who capture Brix's look?

This guy is pretty close. I wish I could Photoshop a big black Stetson on his head and mustache, too. Brix has one. I’ve heard some historical cover designers don’t like facial hair on the guys, but facial hair was the norm in the Nineteenth century America. That said, I am glad the cover of Marrying Minda doesn’t depict any faces. You can imagine the characters as you like.

That's romance cover model Steve Sandalis! He is a hottie, and so is Brix ;). What's next for you, Tanya?

Another Western historical, Marrying Mattie, the second in my proposed “Paradise Brides” series. And I’ve got an entry that finaled in the Romance Through the Ages Contest sponsored by the RWA special interest group, Hearts Through History. Sadly I won’t be in DC for the honor breakfast—our daughter’s wedding is coming up this summer and I can’t make to National. In the entry, Outlaw Bride, a horse thievin’ heroine has to escape her evil brother and hides out as a nun, all the while falling for the handsome Cavalry scout–turned-rancher who rescued her.

I’m also developing for the new Cactus Rose “Earth Songs” series a highly fictionalized romance about war chief Ollokot of the Nez Perce and his wife Cloudburst. Since their ending is not happy (He was killed by the U.S. Cavalry in 1877) the story will portray them as courting and newly-married. They did have some happy years!

Many congratulations on the contest final and on your daughter's impending wedding! It will be a busy summer for you! Do you have any other releases that readers can check out?

Midnight Bride is available at Cobblestone Press, and it has gotten wonderful reviews. Set in Texas in 1880, it’s a story of a forced marriage…hottie cowboy has to marry rancher girl before midnight or they both lose their share of an inheritance. My editors have described my writing as “stunning” but unfortunately, they are no longer acquiring non-erotic, non-paranormal historicals. Since my books are “sensual” and real-world, they encouraged me to find another publisher. I have done so with Marrying Minda which has been released by The Wild Rose Press.

But in the back of my mind, I have this idea of a sexy vampire cowboy…so who knows where he’ll end up.

My December 2008 release, His Christmas Angel, is a sort of sequel to Marrying Minda and a prequel to Marrying Mattie. It is available as a free online short story at The Wild Rose Press.

Where can we find you on the web?

I have a website where one can sign up for my occasional newsletter and a personal blogspot. However, the biggie is my permanent blogger position at the incredible all-Western website, Petticoats and Pistols, established by ten award-winning Western romance authors last year. Recently they increased their ranks, and asked me to cover every other Wednesday. Wow. The site gets up to a thousand hits a day, so I am thrilled, humbled and honored by the invitation.

Fun question – what is the strangest, most surreal thing you’ve ever done?

Two things came quickly to mind: Childbirth, and snorkeling with sea turtles. I am one who doesn’t even like to get my face wet in the shower. But…they look right at you and the spiritual connection is immediate. The sensation is other-wordly and utterly fantastic. Maybe there’s something paranormal in me after all.

I agree, childbirth is pretty surreal! I'm not much of a snorkler myself, but my husband is a scuba diver, and he describes it in much the same way you just described your encounter with sea turtles. Maybe there is something paranormal in you -- when you write that sexy cowboy vampire, let me know ;). Thank you for being here, Tanya. I know much success is headed your way. Marrying Minda is a sensual and heart-warming read. Readers, here's a taste:

Night fell soft and silent, and the snuffles of Norman Dale’s livestock comforted Brixton with memories of the trail. Lord, he couldn’t wait to get back.

Habit had him walk quiet as he could from the barn to the house. Even the tiniest noise sparked stampedes on the trail, so his footsteps were cautious wherever he went.

At the back porch, he set down Minda’s valises and paused to peek in the back window. Her lush curves swayed beneath the simple dress as she readied the children for bed, and he couldn’t fill his vision fast enough. The memory of her soft sweet cheek brushed his fingertips once more, and his heart raced and his groin throbbed. It was the heartbeat he didn’t like; a man desiring a beautiful woman was just what a man did. But a galloping heart might mean a man felt something deep inside.

Even worse, night after night alone on the trail, he’d keep seeing her shining hair sweep across little Ned’s shoulders while she kissed the top of the lad’s head. So he pulled out his flask and drank deeper. It was too much like having a family of his own, something he swore he never needed. Suddenly he missed his brother more than he’d missed anything.

Until this minute, he had never felt shy about coming through this door without a knock. His wife’s current disposition gave him pause, but he had goods to deliver and damn, the kids just might like one of his good-night songs. His tongue clicked. Truth to tell, his bride would think him nothing but a rowdy bridegroom wanting a tumble between the sheets. Already she’d tried to disgrace him by letting a room at the boardinghouse just for herself.

Another long hard swig consoled his throat as it emptied his flask. Damn woman.

RELEASE DAYLawmen and Outlaws Now Available

Current read: Shared by Wolves by Rena Marks

Today is the official release day for Lawmen and Outlaws, a western historical romance anthology at The Wild Rose Press. I'm blogging today at The Pink Fuzzy Slipper Writers and Mama Writers, so please come visit me.

My novella, The Outlaw's Angel, is one of the featured stories in the anthology. I'm thrilled to be included among talented western authors Lauri Robinson, Linda Carroll-Bradd, and Loretta C. Rogers.

Two lawmen are tested when they lose their hearts--

When runaway Hannah Stewart comes into his life Sheriff 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.

Blurb for The Outlaw's Angel:

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?

Last, but certainly not least, my model for Bobby, the gorgeous Henri Castelli!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Rafaello Balzo

Current read: Angel Vindicated by Viola Estrella

Aren't those eyes amazing? Rafaello is an Italian actor and model who I previously showcased at the Vixens' blog a while back for TGIF (that guy is fine.) I first stumbled across him at The Menagerie last year. He's 6' 2" tall, thirty-four years old, and he won the title of "Mister Italy" in 1999. Unfortunately, he has a fiancee. But we can still dream!