I WANT YOUR HEROES

Current read: Forbidden Island by Samantha Gentry

After a year of Monday's Hero interviews, I'm revamping. Beginning on September 14 with my own mysterious Jamaican hero, Ace in Montego Lay, Monday's Hero will have a new format. I have my lovely chaptermates Lia Slater and Monica Kaye lined up after that, and now I want you! Please leave me a comment if you're interested in having your hero featured. Or, if you'd rather, email me privately at helenhardt@gmail.com. Interviews post every Monday. Check the Monday's Hero Guest Blogger calendar on the left side of my blog to see what's available. I'd love to have you!

I'd like to thank Sky and Victoria at The Romance Studio and Two Lips Reviews, respectively, for their wonderful praise of Thai'd Up.

Sky says:

...The story was sensual, but considering the location, a BDSM club, not over the top. The Phantom, our hero, was a handsome and charming as any woman could dream of, and very mysterious. Heidi is certainly not immune to his charms. I particularly enjoyed the surprise near the end. Helen Hardt is a writer I plan to read more of in the very near future.

Victoria says:

...Lose yourself in Ms. Hardt's fantasy world and be just as surprised when Heidi finds out who her masked phantom is.

Thank you, ladies!

Happy Birthday To Me

Current read: Loving Mercy by Teresa Bodwell

Okay, I don't usually go around announcing my birthday to the world, but it was a great excuse to post the following:

Nothing like a tight pair of birthday buns to make the day better ;). And since I know you're all curious, it's my forty-fifth.

I was thrilled to find the cover for Montego Lay in my inbox yesterday. The talented Angela Anderson has again created a masterpiece.

Vacationing at a Montego Bay nude resort, Lisa Brooks finds herself volunteering in a bondage demonstration on the beach. She’d like to continue the instructions with the Jamaican native, but the gorgeous resort employee has other duties to perform. Though disappointed, Lisa accompanies a friend to an erotic casino night where the chips are free and redeemable for sex. A night for a mysterious encounter? If only she could buy the island hottie she really wants.

Enjoy your day!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Bernie Paz

Current read: Loose and Easy by Tara Janzen

I love it when I find hunky guys who are actually somewhere in my age range ;). Bernie Paz, born July 5, 1967 in Lima, Peru, is a Peruvian actor. Bernie originally aspired to be a diplomat and studied Hebrew and Political Science in Israel between 1988 and 1994. Brains and brawn gets me every time... He got the chance to appear in a commercial, enjoyed the experience, and made his acting debut in 2000 in a Peruvian soap opera. He keeps that luscious physique by combining the gym with practicing the sports that he loves: soccer and jogging.

MONDAY'S HERO -- Nick from Soul Mate

Current read: She Blinded Me with Science Fiction by Kally Jo Surbeck

Please welcome back the lovely Catherine Bybee! Her second release in two weeks is Soul Mate from Red Rose Publishing. I love werewolf stories, and this one has a twist -- the heroine is the wolf! I've picked up my copy and can't wait to dive in.

Catherine, give us the scoop on Soul Mate. That's a beautiful cover, by the way.

Hey, Helen. Remember the Got Wolf? Contest? Oh yeah… you won that didn’t you! BTW… I can’t wait to read your winning book. Well, last year when we were all patiently waiting for the results of that contest, I spent quite a bit of time ‘in the zone of werewolves’. And since my Got Wolf? Contest entry was all about a male werewolf I thought it would be fun to give a woman the gift of fur. Alas… Kari was born… or turned… or whatever you wanna call her.

Kari Pearce lives the life of a lone werewolf. No one knows of her affliction, not even her sister. When she hears of a missing child up in the Sequoias, Kari goes on the hunt to find the child and her abductor before tragedy can occur. Saving the child is easy, avoiding the FBI agent associated with the case, is not.

Agent Nick Murdock knows he's seen Kari before but damn if he can remember where. There's one thing he knows for sure. Kari Pearce with her blonde hair and piercing blue eyes is hiding something. And Nick is going to find out what.

Love the blurb! Now onto your scrumptious hero, Nick.

He's tall, dark and handsome. A little like George Clooney. A younger George Clooney, LOL. As an FBI agent, he wants to solve the case and bring the bad guy in. However, in the case of Kari, he’s hell bent on finding out what makes her tick. What motivates her and why he feels that he knows her.

What three adjectives best describe him?

Determined, determined, determined.

Great description! I adore him already. What draws him to Kari?

Nick is absolutely certain he knows Kari. Or knows of her. Her face draws him in, her voice slides over him like silk on bare skin. Once she gets into his system, there is no way to shake her loose.

What draws her to him?

You could say the "animal made her do it" LOL… Their immediate physical attraction is hard to ignore even though Kari understands that she is playing with fire.

This story really is hers. As a werewolf, Kari needed a man who wouldn’t be intimidated by her nature. Nick is perfect for her.

Is there a little bit of someone you know in either character?

I don’t base my stories on people I know. I do draw names from those I’m familiar with, but not personalities. Although if George Clooney ever wanted to read Nick’s lines with me, I wouldn’t stop him. LOL

Neither would I ;). What's up next for you?

I’m busy with the third book in my time travel series. Binding Vows will be out in December from TWRP. Silent Vows is under revisions right now… this is the second book in the series and the final, Redeeming Vows, is 1/3 of the way written. I’d like to have all these books finished by years end and if possible contracted before the beginning of next spring. AND by popular demand I’m writing Chase’s story to spin off of Kilt Worthy… I like the title Kilt-a-licious! What do you think, Helen? Do you think it works?

Perfect! And I'll be first in line to read it. Kilt Worthy was great, and I see it's still climbing the charts at The Wilder Roses! Readers, be sure to visit Catherine at www.catherinebybee.com. And here's an excerpt from Soul Mate:

“So, you must be here on vacation.”

She put down her fork and stared across the counter at the wall. “Maybe I live here.”

Nick shook his head. “You called this a Podunk diner. Your shoes are meant for walking on Rodeo Drive and not the trails of the forest.” He leaned forward and sniffed. “And you smell like expensive perfume, not bug spray. No, Kari, I don’t think you live here.” Odd though, she wasn’t wearing a ring and didn’t have any trailing boyfriend or children at her side. Vacationing alone in the Sequoias struck him as odd.

“This is a nice place to visit,” she clipped out as she reached inside her purse. Removing a ten-dollar bill and placing it by her plate, she stood up. “It was nice talking to you, Mr. Murdock. I’m glad the girl came back to you safe and sound.”

“Leaving already?”

Her smile was lethal, her laugh seductive. “I need to get back to Rodeo; Gucci is calling out to me.”

His chest rumbled in laughter.

As she walked away, his eyes followed the gentle sway of her hips. Damn, she was something to watch.
Once out of sight, he turned in his seat and brought the coffee cup to his lips. As he swallowed, his eyes landed on the car keys sitting next to Kari’s empty plate.

With a wicked smile, he covered them with his hand and headed toward the door.

Outside he watched her fumbling through her purse while standing in front of a four-wheel drive rental car. A strand of blonde hair slid over her face; she tossed it back in frustration and mumbled a curse.

“Looking for these?” He held up the keys and shook them with a jingle.

Her head shot up, eyes narrowed.

“You left them on the counter,” he found himself explaining.

Taking a step in his direction, she reached out to capture them from his fingers. Nick playfully pulled them out of reach. She cocked her head to the side and dropped her hand.

“Have dinner with me,” he spoke before she could say anything.

“What?” She looked at him as if he was crazy.

“You know, dinner. Kind of like breakfast, only later and with wine.”

“Are you always so forward, Mr. Murdock?”

“Nick.”

“Are you always so forward, Nick?” she emphasized his name to express her annoyance.

“I believe in being direct.”

She took another step in his direction and smoothed her hair back. Her tongue shot out and moistened her lips. The action shot heat to his groin. “I’m glad to hear that, Nick. I believe in being direct, too.” Stepping closer, she brought one hand up between them, tilted her head back to gaze into his eyes. Low lashes fluttered in a way that proved she knew her affect on him.

A small shock registered when she trailed a finger down his arm. “I think you are very attractive.”

“That’s a start.” His voice grew husky. “But...”

“But,” she sighed and walked her fingers down his arm. “I don’t like being held hostage for a date.” With that, she grabbed her keys from his hand and turned to walk away.

Montego Lay Coming Next Month

Current read: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The lovely Diana Carlile, my Scarlet editor at The Wild Rose Press, has set Montego Lay for release on Friday, September 11, 2009. I don't have a cover yet, but will post it as soon as I get it.

My boys started back to school this week, and I totaled my wordcount for July and August so far.

7474

Yes, pathetic, I know. Time to get moving. Starting next week, I'm going for 2K per day (minus weekends) until November, when NaNoWriMo starts. Then it's 50K or bust, baby!

On Monday, I'll be at Mama Writers, and the talented Catherine Bybee will be here to talk about her second release in two weeks. Be sure to visit us!

Happy Friday!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Alessandro Calza

Current read: Spitfire by Mari Carr

Viva l'Italia! Alessandro Calza, born December 23, 1970, in Genova, Italy, is an Italian actor, screenwriter, and model. I'm sorry, but I just can't get enough of that chest...

MONDAY'S HERO -- Alastair from His Ship, Her Fantasy

Current read: Ellora's Cavemen: Flavors of Ecstasy, Volume 1

I don't know that I've ever been able to say this before -- today's guest made number one on The Wild Rose Press's bestseller list within a day of release! Congratulations to my good friend Emma Lai! His Ship, Her Fantasy is a short story in the Faery Rose line. Welcome, Emma! Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve sampled many professions and industries in the last decade or so…administrative assistant, electrical engineer, software designer, and project manager. They’ve all been satisfying in their own way, but nothing has inspired me like writing.

I am a student of life and a lifetime student. Since I started school at age 5, there have only been four years of my adult life when I haven’t been taking classes. This month, I receive my Masters in International Relations, and I would love to pursue a Doctorate.

More congratulations, then, for receiving your Masters! That takes a lot of dedication. I'm not sure where you found the time to write His Ship, Her Fantasy. How did you get the idea?

I had this scene stuck in my head of a woman arguing with her spaceship. I started with that and it evolved from there. It actually took a slightly different path then I originally pictured, but who am I to argue with my characters?

Ellie Woods is in love…with a ship. When an argument with the ship results in a bump on the head, she finds herself in the strong arms of Alastair. But who is he and where did he come from?

Alastair has loved Ellie from afar for years, but duty has kept him from revealing himself to her. When a grave threat reveals his true identity, he hopes that Ellie will choose reality over fantasy.

What a novel idea to have your heroine in love with a ship! But of course, it's really Alastair. Tell us about him.

Alastair has long, thick, wavy sable hair with grey eyes and golden skin. He’s 6’7” and is broad shouldered and brawny. He prefers to wear buckskin pants, black knee high boots and a linen shirt. Given his build, everything is very form fitting.

Like all Guardians, he takes his job to protect innocents seriously, but he also desperately wants to find his mate, the one woman who completes him.

How are Ellie and Alastair drawn to each other?

Alastair is drawn to Ellie because she has strength of character, determination, and intelligence. She is drawn to him because he is the embodiment of the one love of her life…

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

Alastair was inspired by the image of The Paladin I had in my head. The strong, silent and sexy comes from my husband.

Many writers use their husbands' qualities in their heroes. It's wonderful to know we have so many real-life heroes out there. Are there any celebrities who capture Alastair's look?

Not that I know of…maybe Orlando Bloom as Will Turner with the body of Fabio?

Yep, that works ;). What projects are you working on right now?

I’m working on edits for an erotic Regency, Twice is Not Enough, with a Wilder Rose Press editor. I’m also working on the third short story in the Mates of the Guardian series, His Light, Her Shadow. I’ve got numerous other stories in various stages, but those two are the ones taking up my time at the moment.

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

Besides eating grape jelly on my scrambled eggs as a child? My second marriage has been completely surreal to me. I quit a promising career to follow the love of my life around the country. We’ve traveled a lot, laughed a lot, and are now having a child. I’m deliriously happy, but not living any life I ever imagined. Who knew I’d end up writing or pregnant?

Best wishes for your impending arrival -- it won't be long now! Thank you, Emma, for taking the time to visit with us today, and congratulations again on your swift success. Come back soon!

Excerpt:

She fought to stay aware by focusing her gaze on the intriguing cleft in her rescuer’s chin. After a few moments, she tried to tilt her head back to get a look at the rest of his face, but the action made her dizzy once again. She gave up with a sigh and relaxed against his firm, broad chest.

She shrugged. Chances were she would not recognize him anyway. Over two hundred people served on the ship. She knew the dozen or so engineers who worked the first and third rotations and maybe another dozen crewmates by sight, others who worked the same rotation and happened to eat their meals in solitary silence at the same time she did. She would guess from the fact that he had to ask her name that he was not any of those two dozen individuals.

Maybe she should not have told him her real name. At least that way, when he talked about finding a woman helpless in the bowels of the ship, no one would have known who it was. Yeah, right, whom was she trying to fool? She was the sole person assigned duty to this area during fourth rotation. Her breath caught, and she stiffened in his arms. Who was he, and what was he doing in a restricted area?

"Relax," he said.

“Who are you?” She tried to sit up in his arms, determined to get a look at him and an answer to her question.

He lifted her higher in his arms, which wedged her head between his head and shoulder and prevented her from getting a good look at his face. “Alastair.” His warm breath fluttered against her forehead and cheek.

New Contract... New Review... Then Visit Me at The Lovestruck Novice

Current read: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Sue-Ellen Gower, my lovely editor at Ellora's Cave, offered me a contract for my novella, Loving Eve. Loving Eve is a contemporary menage and will release in February as part of EC's "dance" theme. Slow and Wet, my first EC release, is coming November 24, 2009.

The Romance Studio gave the Lawmen and Outlaws anthology a wonderful review. Brenda Talley had this to say about my novella, The Outlaw's Angel:

The Outlaw’s Angel by Helen Hardt gave us a sensual love story about 1869 Dakota Territory and a bounty hunter, Bobby Morgan. He was falsely accused of murder, and in desperation, kidnapped the preacher’s daughter, Naomi. Their escapades were impressive and just kept getting worse. The strong, dynamic characters, as well as the people they met during their journey, made the story fabulous. This story, as well as the surprise ending, grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go.

Thank you, Brenda!

Today I'm visiting my friend Sarah Simas at The Lovestruck Novice. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check back here Monday when Emma Lai visits to celebrate her debut release, His Ship, Her Fantasy.

Enjoy your weekend!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Miguel Angel Silvestre

Current read: Turnabout by Margaret Peterson Haddix


If you enjoyed Javier two weeks ago, here's another Spanish hunk for you. Yes, I still have Spanish hotties on the brain. My NaNo project this year is going to have a dark and very Spanish hero... Miguel Ángel Silvestre, born April 6, 1982 in Castelló, Comunitat Valenciana, is a Spanish actor best known for playing Nacho in the popular Spanish TV series "Motivos Personales." I'll be honest and say I've never heard of that show, and I don't speak Spanish. Then again, who cares? If I don't understand what he's saying, I can imagine... Enjoy these gorgeous photos!

MONDAY'S HERO -- Logan from Kilt Worthy

Current read: Litha Dreams by Rachel E. Moniz

Monday's Hero is back! And today I'm very excited to have debut author Catherine Bybee visiting.

Thanks for having my on your blog today, Helen. I’m very excited to be here celebrating my debut release.

You are very welcome! Tell us a little about yourself.

Ohhh about me? Really? Helen wants me to tell you all about me? Okay.. I’m shy. NOT. First and always, I’m a wife and a mother. I am an Emergency Room RN who is the only person at dinner parties not at liberty to talk about my day at work. *rolling eyes – wimps!* Most importantly for this venue… I’m a lover of all things romance. Add paranormal to it and I’m sold.

I love Kilt Worthy's cover, and am really looking forward to reading this one! How did you come up with the idea?

Kilt Worthy spurred from one of my CPs, Aithne. She sent me a picture ~ the one I’m attaching to this interview ~ and said “Give me a paragraph and talk about a ‘a moment in time.’ I think she was moderating an author loop for the day and this was her theme. I was really bored and need a little inspiration so this was perfect. The first words and opening paragraph sparked an entire short erotic story. And in first person, no less. This is my ONLY first person book.

Peering at the world from behind her camera lens, "Plain Jane" Parker is stunned to see a handsome hunk wearing a kilt as he confidently strolls down a busy Seattle street. Her dormant libido roars to life even before their eyes meet. Aroused and intrigued, she tosses aside her usual caution and follows when Logan MacLaren beckons for a delightfully sinful one-night stand.

Logan is an exceptionally talented lover, wielding the abundant sword he sports beneath his plaid to deliver unparalleled pleasures. He reminds her to trust her instincts after reality proves they're a more perfect fit than either imagined.

Then Logan drops his bombshell: He's traveled through time to find her and wants her to stay with him forever...in medieval Scotland. Did Jane just have the most erotic sex of her life with a delusional crazy man, or is it truly possible for her one-night stand to last forever?

Love the blurb! Tell us about luscious Logan.

Logan wants to find his soul mate. I’m a sucker for when a man who needs his woman and Logan definitely falls into that category. Oh...so you want the details of his appearance? Okay, let's see... Strong jaw and piercing eyes. So completely confident in his skin and his effect on the women around him he borders on cocky. Okay, he is a bit cocky, but, hon, he can be with what the good Lord graced him with.

What three adjectives best describe him?

Confident, Kilted and Hung… Oh, is that TMI?

There's no such thing as TMI here, hon ;). What draws Logan to Jane?

Oh now, Helen… I don’t want to give all of this story away… lets just say that when he catches her drooling over him, he offers her more than a picture to remember him by.

LOL! What draws her to him?

Didn’t I say he’s kilted? Imagine walking down the street holding a camera and searching for the perfect shot, the perfect artful image to capture on your camera. Out of nowhere, Mr. Fantasy wearing a kilt walks by and in a flash, your camera is taking picture upon picture of every woman’s dream. Some opportunities are too good to pass up!

Was Logan inspired by anyone in real life?

Like I said earlier, the inspiration came from a picture and since I’ve never been to Scotland, I can’t say I know anyone like him. (which is really too bad). I’m a sucker for tall, dark and brooding. But I can’t think of even one celebrity I pictured when writing this sexy lil’ romp.

What projects are you working on right now?

Funny… I just put pen to paper, er, or rather, fingers to keyboard, and started writing a lil’ spin off of Kilt Worthy staring Chase and Jane’s friend Sheri. I do have several things brewing on the erotic level. I’m playing with a story called “Batteries Not Included”. I’m sure you can let your mind wander with a title like that. Chances are you’d be right as to what needs batteries. LOL. I love the freedom writing erotic romance gives you. Nothing is taboo, nothing. And unlike reality, these bits of fantasy are just that.

I have a lot coming soon. I’ll be back here on your blog to celebrate Soul Mate’s release on the 24^th. Like you, Helen, I love my furry heroes and heroines. All things werewolf and romance. I have a full-length time travel romance ~ Binding Vows ~ which will be released December 10th of this year. Then in 2010 I have two more werewolf stories coming from The Wild Rose Press.

What is it about those wolves? *sigh* I'm looking forward to yours! How can readers keep up with your work?

Lets see… the easiest is my website my blog and my newsletter. I keep my database for my newsletter on yahoo loops. I only send out a newsletter every two months or so. Oh… and to see my trailers on you-tube click here. Kilt Worthy did win the first ever You Gotta Read Reviews award for best trailer in June.

And I voted for it ;). Congratulations! Fun question – what is the strangest, most surreal thing you’ve ever done?

Well, this is rather easy. I’m an ER nurse so I do have a few to pick from. However, one stands out. I watched a man go into cardiac arrest one day--- okay, I’ve watched many go into arrest, but this one was different. He was talking with me one minute and curling up into a ball of death the next. I snagged the defibrillator paddles before anyone else came to the bedside and put my training to work. One giant ZAP… and the man was talking again. Something to the affect of “What the F@#k was that?” LOL… He was young… upper 40’s construction worker, healthy looking. He tried really hard to die that day but thankfully didn’t. His ticker needed a little ‘rotor-rootering’ and all was good to go. But on that day, I truly felt I helped save his life. And that felt pretty damn good! I’ve used the paddles hundreds of times in my career, but none with such a dramatic, and positive, ending.

What a wonderful story! Thanks so much for coming by, Catherine. Readers here's a taste of yummy Logan:

What is he wearing under there, anyway?

Dragging my gaze up to his, I swear he could read my thoughts yet again. His cocky grin grew larger when my eyes traveled back down his hard torso and I saw a twitch beneath his kilt. A really big twitch.

I dug in my heels, shook my head and started to back away. “Maybe this is a mistake.”

His hand reached out and caressed my cheek, his eyes glued to mine. One more step back and the brick building stopped my retreat. Mr. Kilt leaned in. Heat, mixed with his strong male scent, surrounded my quivering body. His other hand came up and rested on the wall behind me.

Boxed in, I watched his lips move, his breath quicken and something that looked like concern stream from his eyes. Every nerve in my body called out, wanting his touch. I forgot about the alley as my attention narrowed to him and the rapidly shrinking space between us.

Visit me at MAMA WRITERS...and a Sizzling Review for THAI'D UP

Current read: Litha Dreams by Rachel E. Moniz

Visit me today at Mama Writers where I'm talking about my journey to romance. What books and authors led you to your love of romance?

I also want to share a wonderful review of Thai'd Up. Seriously Reviewed had this to say:

Is it hot in here? I mean it’s July, the sun is blazing, but I’m sitting in an air conditioned house sweating bullets. Congratulations Ms. Hardt, you dropped me into the middle of a scorching hot story and let me burn.

Aran Narit is mysterious, exotic, and a totally Dominant male. He owns a BDSM club in Thailand and welcomes Heidi into his hedonistic lair. Oh my can I come too? Well I could if I was in Bangkok and had a hot Thai ready to spank, whip and pleasure me until I screamed. That’s what he does for American, Heidi Clarke. Her first trip to Bangkok will be a first of many BDSM experiences. She’s a submissive at heart. It’s up to Aran to claim her. Oh my, I need ice water, a fan and extra batteries for my vibrator. This is definitely an erotic read with sizzling heat.

Thai'd Up is on sale this month at The Wilder Roses.

Come back Monday when Catherine Bybee will be celebrating her first release!!

And now, another perfect "ending" to one of my blogs...

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Rafael Verga

Current read: Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Here's another Brazilian hottie for those of you who adore them. (Are you out there, Cari? LOL) Born in 1981, gorgeous Rafael is a male model who hopes to work as a pilot someday. Check out the next photo. Really, nothing more needs to be said.

SCARLET ROSE SALE

Current read: Taken by the Night by Kathryn Smith

Scarlet Rose Sale!

Think it's hot now? It's about to get hotter.

Sizzling summer reads are on sale at The Wilder Roses.

So turn up the A/C, grab a cool drink and settle in for a steamy afternoon
with your favorite Wilder Authors.

All Scarlet Rose titles are 10% off during the month of August.


www.wilderroses.com



Sale includes Seduced in Seoul, Passion in Paris and Thai'd Up by Helen Hardt