HALLOWEEN FLASH FICTION DAY!

Head over to Lindsay's Romantics for a heavy dose of hot Halloween shorts. Read Logan's Curse by yours truly, and be sure to check out the offerings by my good friends Cari Quinn, Kaye Manro, and Catherine Bybee. Then come back here and let me know what you think!

Happy Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN...and Two Days Till NaNo!

It's Friday, and we are snowed in here in Colorado! Nearly two feet of snow in my back yard. Might make trick or treating a challenge tomorrow, but we'll see how it goes.

Only two more days to enter my October contest. As I promised, the prize package has increased throughout the month. See the full list to the left. Remember, each comment in October gets you one entry in the drawing, so comment a lot today and tomorrow. Need something to comment about? Here you go:



Two days left to enter the contest also means two days until NaNoWriMo. Who's in? Like last year, I'll be posting my daily wordcounts here on my blog. Also like last year, my regular blog schedule will be on hiatus, though I do have three hero interviews scheduled: Viola Estrella, Rena Marks, and my own hero, Dale, from Slow and Wet which releases November 10 at Ellora's Cave.

And yes, that means no hump-day hunks, but don't despair! Those of you who remember NaNo month last year will recall that I posted a hunk for your viewing and salivating pleasure every day that I posted wordcount, so be sure to stop by each week day in November!

I'll be following the same schedule as last year:

Week One -- 5K per day
Week Two -- 3K per day
Week Three -- 2K per day

That first week is a killer, but I've done it before so I can do it again. I'll need all of you cheering for me, and I'll be cheering for all of you ;).

Happy Halloween!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Raul Oliva

I couldn't find out much about this gorgeous hottie, except that he was born in Venezuela and he's a model and an actor. But really, who needs to know more?

MEET THE HEROWolfe from Soft as Moonlight

Please welcome my friend J.A. Saare and her hero, Wolfe. from Soft as Moonlight, available from Amira Press! Wolfe has been kind enough to grant Jaime an interview which she's graciously allowed me to post here. First, let's take a look at the blurb:

Lycae Wolfe Trevlian returns to New Orleans to appease the vampyren harboring a grudge against his kin. The agreement is simple – destroy the creature killing off their brethren and the death of their Master is forgiven.

Dhampir Arden Moran has waited decades to avenge the murder of her friend. There is just one problem – the Lycae sent to intercept her.

One touch tells Wolfe that Arden is his mate. When vampyren hire assassins to finish the job he didn't complete, he is forced to become an Alpha strong enough to protect her - as well as the pack that needs him.

You all know I love wolf shifter stories! Now let's talk to Wolfe.

Jaime: Let me start by saying that when Wolfe showed up unexpectedly at my door, it was a shock to the senses. He accepted my offering of fresh coffee and apple pie, but wanted to get his mini-interview over and done with. He answered while he ate…which didn’t take long!

Jaime: Tell me something about yourself.

Wolfe: Come again?

Jaime: People want to know more about you.

Wolfe: People want to know about me, cher? (chuckles) I don’t know about all that. They’re bound to be disappointed. Let’s see…I’m the Alpha of the Bacchus pack in New Orleans and carry a lot of weight in the Quarter with the immortal population. You got a problem, I have the answer.

Jaime: Can you elaborate?

Wolfe: Elaborate?

Jaime: What kind of things to do you like?

Wolfe: I have a weakness for gumbo, the blues, and my mate. How’s that?

Jaime: Err…

Wolfe: Fucking Hell. (He finishes his last bite of pie, drinks it down with coffee, shakes his head and clears his throat.) Truth be told, my life wasn’t worth a steaming pile of shit before I met my t’keeira. Arden gave my wretched ass something to live for. Like an angel on my shoulder, you know? But don’t get the wrong idea and go pissing her off. T’keeira is wicked nasty with those silvered daggers she keeps handy, and I’ll be damned if she didn’t go out and buy herself a shiny new Glock for shits and giggles. She says she keeps silver rounds in it, just in case I step out of line. What can I say? (grins)That’s my hellcat, and I wouldn’t have her any other way.

Jaime: Uh…that’s really sweet, Wolfe. What about–

Wolfe: You want more? (laughs) Sorry precious, it ain’t in the cards. I’ve got a mate waiting back home, and I best haul my ass back before she decides to pay a visit and introduce you her new toy. She likes you, but not that much. (He stands and smiles politely, motioning at his empty plate.) Thanks for the coffee and pie, cher. Be seeing you.

What a fun interview! Jaime, thanks so much for being here and introducing us to Wolfe -- I can't wait to read his story!

RomantiCon Pics!

Me with cover model Bobby K, who -- bless his hunky little heart -- thought I was thirty-five! This was Friday night at the psychedelic soiree.

My friend Tricia Leigh Wood dancing with cover model Rodney Chatman.

My friend Rena Marks and Tricia.

Saturday evening -- Tricia with cover model Angelo.


Sunday evening. Can you tell we're a little partied out? Tricia and me.


Sunday evening -- cover model Devin Michaels, me, Tricia, Rena, photographer Will Duke, Leigha Morrison. Bobby in front.

READY FOR NANO?

Join me today at Mama Writers and tell me about your NaNoWriMo project!

And because I hate to post over Lucky, here's that shower pic again...

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Lucky Vanous

Please visit me today at You Gotta Read where I'm talking about one of my favorite subjects, wolf shifters.

And now I have a delicious treat for you -- is there anything sexier than a hunk over forty? I'm fanning here.


Remember the Diet Coke guy?

Lucky Vanous is pushing fifty and still looks amazing! Born April 11, 1961, he joined the Army at 18 and was selected to join the 1st Ranger Battalion (Black Berets), the elite anti-terrorist and anti-guerilla response team. After completing his duty with the Rangers he attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. While vacationing in New York with a friend, Lucky was spotted by an agent for the Elite Modeling Agency, who signed him on the spot. Can't imagine why... Though the name Vanous is of Czech origin, Lucky is mostly English. His father, then a nightclub owner and gambler, gave him his first name when he was born in Lincoln, Nebraska.

This next photo truly speaks for itself...

MEET THE HEROSean from Dirty Business

Today I'm thrilled to welcome my good friend and critique partner Monica Kaye! Her debut release, Dirty Business, is available from Loose Id. Ladies, that's Jimmy Thomas on the cover. He's as drool worthy as they come!

Here's a little about Monica:

Monica Kaye has always loved reading and especially writing. For her, it was over the moment she picked up her first Harlequin at 14 years old. Since then she has been in love with love. She started writing her first romance at 18 years old and that story, thankfully, is lost in the annals of time. As she grew older, her tastes evolved and she began to add more spice to her stories until she discovered the genre of erotic romance. Monica currently lives in Denver, Colorado where she often gets into trouble at her day job making up stories for her ‘real’ job.

Blurb:

The moment Sean Keller spotted the dark-eyed beauty across a dim hotel bar room, it was lust at first sight. It wasn't long before he had his hands -and mouth- all over her. After one incredible night of sex, he awakens to find she’s disappeared, but it's not long before he finds her again. At his new office: she's his Executive Assistant! He can't allow himself to be distracted. He has come to Denver on a mission, to find the person trying to swindle him. Sean always gets his man. But keeping his distance from his newest employee is not going to be easy.

Chloe Walters had no idea that the handsome stranger she slept with the night before would be her new boss. Or that she’d be the number one suspect in his corporate espionage investigation. She's on a hunt of her own to uncover the scammer. But Sean’s idea of cat-and-mouse has higher stakes than just her job.

I've read this story through several versions, and it's definitely hot and a keeper. Now let's hear a little from the man of the hour, Sean:

Thanks for having me, Helen. Although I really do fail to see what the big deal is about me. I run multi-million dollar technology company. A description? Hmmm. Well, I’m six-feet-four, I keep in shape by running and weight lifting. I do admit that ladies have been known to get lost in my bright green eyes and love running their fingers through my salt-and-pepper hair. But that was long ago and now my body is off limits to all but one woman.

You want to know about Chloe? Funny story, how we met. I came to Denver to acquire a company where she worked as an ‘Office Bitch’ (her words, not mine). Things kind of got complicated when I soon suspected her of embezzlement and corporate espionage. However, none of that seemed to matter. The minute I saw her I wanted her. Not to brag, but I am a man who is used to getting what he wants. It started out as a one night stand where neither of us knew who the other truly was. We soon found out! Now admittedly it was physical at first. What man wouldn’t want to get his hands on her? She’s a goddess compacted into one compact, infinitely curvy package. I sensed in her someone whose fire could match mine and once I got to know her, I was right about that. What I didn’t expect is how she would challenge me, excite me, how fascinated I would be by her intelligence and the workings of her mind. The fact that I can also bend her over my desk and fuck the shit out of her? Well, that’s just icing on a very delicious cake.

You fail to see what the big deal is about you, Sean? You're a hottie, that's what. Right, Monica?

Monica: Wow! Thanks Sean! And thanks, Helen for having us. I truly enjoyed writing Sean and Chloe’s story and I couldn’t ask for a better debut!

Thanks for visiting, Monica and Sean. Be sure to pick up Dirty Business here, and come back Wednesday for a new hunk!

Please Vote for Thai'd Up!

Thai'd Up is up for Best Book of the Week at Whipped Cream, and I'd appreciate your vote if you're so inclined. You can vote here.

Holly had this to say:

Thai’d Up is a hotly passionate story. Helen Hardt has created an entertaining and sensuous tale of two people who meet and discover in each other a passion for living life to the fullest. Heidi epitomizes the American tourist at first, slightly shocked at the change in the city when darkness falls, but beguiled by it at the same time. She starts out embarrassed by her feelings in the club with Phantom, but soon lets herself live in the moment. Phantom appeals to her on many different levels and I liked the way her awareness progressed. The sex was hot and intense, and well written. I also love the ironic twist near the end of this one, it was a great surprise.

If you are looking for a short trip into hot and heavy action, this one is for you. But be warned, this is a four ice cube story.

Thank you, Holly!

And here's a little Jimmy to keep you warm this weekend...

I'M BEING ROASTED AND TOASTED!

Current read: The Marriage Posession by Helen Bianchin

My wonderful friend Mary Ricksen invited me to Author Roast and Toast! I'm talking about my dark paranormal, Blood Wolf, which takes place in contemporary Scotland. We're serving up a Highland meal and the ladies' butler, Oliver, is even wearing a kilt -- be still my heart. So please stop over! I'm giving away a print copy of the anthology containing Blood Wolf.

I'll be posting photos from RomantiCon next week, but here are a few starters.



These lovely ladies are the Suzettes -- those of us lucky enough to work with amazing EC editor Sue-Ellen Gower, or Suz, as she's known to us. Left to right: Bronwyn Green, J. Hali Steele, Ciana Stone, me, Cris Anson, Ann Jacobs.

And below, of course, my friends and I are posing with the Cavemen ;). Back: Devin, Taylor, me, Angelo, Tricia Leigh Wood, Rodney, David. Front: Brian, Rena Marks (standing), Bobby.


Have a wonderful weekend, and be sure to pop back in Monday when my good friend Monica Kaye blogs about the sexy hero in her new Loose Id release, Dirty Business.

HUMP DAY HUNK(S) -- Ellora's Cavemen

Current read: Jane's Warlord by Angela Knight

I'm posting my hunk(s) a little early this week. I'm just back from RomantiCon and so behind on everything. Be sure to join me Wednesday, October 14 at Lizzie T. Leaf's loop where I'm chatting from 12 to 4 p.m. EST. You can join the loop here.

What is RomantiCon without meeting the Cavemen? I chatted with several of them -- all really nice guys -- and they promised to blog with me in the future, so look for some interviews and really hot photos coming soon. Top row: Devin, Angelo, Rodney, David. Bottom row: Brian, Taylor, Bobby.

Devin, David, Rodney, Angelo (love the long hair!), Brian, Taylor, Bobby (had some great tattoos.) All very hot, all very sweet. And look below...you all know I love a rear view ;).

MEET THE HERODamian from Blood Wolf

Current read: Jane's Warlord by Angela Knight

My wolf shifter novel, Blood Wolf, released Friday at The Wild Rose Press in a two author anthology, Got Wolf? Volume One. Damian was a challenging hero to write. I enjoyed delving into the psyche of both man and beast.

When mysterious Damian MacGowan saves Suzanne Wood from a gang of thugs in a small Scotland town, she's beyond grateful. But his possessive need to be near her troubles her. Damian doesn’t understand why he’s drawn to Suzanne. He knows only that he must have her, or he will die. As the two get to know each other, love blossoms. But Damian has a secret, and an enemy, that may keep him from Suzanne forever.

Now, a little from the man himself:

It began in my gut -- a searing, knife-like pain. Seconds later, tiny needles shot up into my stomach, my throat, out into my arms and legs until they prickled every inch of my skin. My heart thudded, my mind ached. Fear. Pure fear. She was in trouble. Who she was, I had no idea. But I scented her -- springtime, spice, and female musk. She was mine, and I had to protect her.

My instincts guided me as I sped into Padraig on my Harley. When I saw the blond man about to sink his teeth into my woman's neck, I felt the rush. Adrenaline surged through my veins. Always the rush before the pain. My eyes pulsed in time with my racing heart. I took a deep breath -- if I shifted, I wouldn't be able to help her.

Once I regained control, I prepared to kill him.

Want more? Check out Blood Wolf at The Wild Rose Press.

RELEASE DAY... and I'm at RomantiCon!

Current read: Once More With Feeling by Nora Roberts

As you read this, I'm traveling to the state of Ohio for Ellora's Cave's first ever conference, RomantiCon! I'll be hanging out with two of my friends and chaptermates, Tricia Leigh Wood and Rena Marks. We're looking forward to a weekend of fun, learning, and ogling hot cover models. I'll be sure to bring back lots of inspiration for all of you ;).

Today is the release day for Blood Wolf! This is the story that won The Wild Rose Press's Got Wolf? contest last year. It's being released in a two-author anthology, Got Wolf? Volume One, and is available in print and ebook form. Just in time for Halloween! If you like wolf shifters or hot heroes or heart-pounding romance (or all three, like me), I hope you'll check it out.

Blurb:

When mysterious Damian MacGowan saves Suzanne Wood from a gang of thugs in a small Scotland town, she's beyond grateful. But his possessive need to be near her troubles her. Damian doesn’t understand why he’s drawn to Suzanne. He knows only that he must have her, or he will die. As the two get to know each other, love blossoms. But Damian has a secret, and an enemy, that may keep him from Suzanne forever.

Visit me today at Mama Writers for some Halloween fun.

More news -- Cherokee Rose at Whipped Cream gave Montego Lay a wonderful review:

All I can say about Ms. Hardt’s scintillating tale is…Hot! Hot! Hot!

A gorgeous man, a sizzling, exotic location and enough rum drinks to go around...when you put them all together you get a gratifying story that will leave you out of breath and ready to book your own vacation.

This is the first book I have read by this author and must confess that I wasn’t disappointed. Montego Lay is enticing and illicit. Creative and stimulating. I had to fan myself a few time throughout this book and I was definitely left with a smile.

Not only would I be willing to read this story again, I intend to do so, several times. This is one of those books that you will want to go back and read again. If you haven’t read anything from this author, I strongly encourage you to pick up this title. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you, Cherokee Rose!

Come back Monday when my hero from Blood Wolf, Damian MacGowan, makes an appearance here. On Wednesday I'll be hosting a chat at Lizzie's Tea Room, home of my good friend and chaptermate Lizzie T. Leaf. I'd love to see you all there, so please join Lizzie's group. Then, next Friday I'm being roasted at Author Roast and Toast! So please plan to stop by.

I can't leave without showing you the fantastic banner my wonderful friend and CP Cari Quinn designed for Slow and Wet, releasing November 1o at Ellora's Cave.

Thanks, Cari!

Don't forget my contest. Leave a comment anytime during October to win, and join my new Yahoo group for five entries. Remember, I'll be adding to the prize package during the month. Hmm, think I might bring a few things back from RomantiCon?

Have a great weekend!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Oh Ji-ho

Current read: Tender Assault by Anne Mather

Please visit me today at The Black Rose blog!



So I was researching hunks, minding my own business, when out of the blue -- I found Aran from Thai'd Up! Okay, Oh Ji-ho isn't actually Thai, he's Korean, but when I saw those eyes and those lips... Imagine him with longer hair, and there's Aran! This hottie was born April 1, 1976, in the Chun Nam Region of South Korea, and he's an actor. His hobbies include jet surfing, waterskiing, swimming, music, Taekwondo, and basketball.

MEET THE HEROCole from Bonded by Need

Current read: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Please welcome Ellora's Cave author Nina Pierce! Nina and I met on the EC loop, and I'm looking forward to meeting her in person this weekend at RomantiCon. Today, she's talking about her EC release Bonded by Need. Can't go wrong with a title like that -- and wait until you read this blurb (I'm fanning here...)

Start with one polymorphic shifter female, add two hot alpha male leaders, mix generously and watch the passion ignite!

Veterinarian Jayda Kynslan recently moved to Montana. The mountains hold many secrets but none as mysterious as hers. She’s just discovered she’s a polymorphic shifter—wolf, cougar, human. Jayda’s not sure who she is—or what her heart and body need.

Recently promised to Cole Takoda, the head of the wolf council, Jayda wants to believe their bond will fulfill her every need. But there’s no denying her cougar growls for a mating of its own. Leader of the cougar council, Zane Brodan has no desire to get involved in a romantic relationship. Tangling with a shifter already promised to another is a bad idea—except when it’s a luscious polymorphic shifter doing the tempting.

Cole believes Jayda is his lifemate. Zane can’t resist her seductions. Someone wants to ruin all their plans. As the temperature and the body count rise so does Jayda’s need to possess both men—wolf and cougar—and her needs refuse to be denied.

A little from the wolf Alpha, Cole:

A hero? Shit, I’m no hero. I’m Cole Takoda, the police chief in Lonesome Fork and leader of the wolf shifter council. And up until a couple of months ago, the only mate of Jayda Kynslan. Of course when the cougar shifters couldn’t pull their act together they found a new leader in Zane Brodan and that’s when my life got ... shall we say … complicated.

It’s not that I didn’t want Jayda to be happy and I suppose I knew on some level my wolf would probably never completely satisfy all sides of her polymorphic abilities, but ya know … I was hoping. It wasn’t like I didn’t get possessive, because believe you me, I sure as hell wanted to pull her close and convince her I was enough. But I could see it wasn’t what Jayda wanted. Anyway, it seems to be working out. We had a hell of scare there with the whole poisoning episode. I wasn’t sure Jayda would survive. I gotta tell you, that ripped my heart out. I think that’s what finally made me see how much we all need each other. Because really, I’ll do almost anything to keep Jayda as my mate.

Who will Jayda choose? Or can she have both? I'm on the edge of my seat here, Nina! Readers, be sure to check out Bonded by Need.

CONTEST STARTS TODAY

Current read: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

October is here, and I have two things to say:

First of all, where has this year gone? Next month is NaNoWriMo already. I'll be blogging on that in the next couple of days as I try to convince all of you to join me in the madness that is NaNo.

Second, my contest starts today! As you know, this contest celebrates my tenth contract and will run all this month. Each time you comment on my blog throughout October, you'll be entered in a drawing to win a great prize package. Each comment equals one chance, so comment often. I'll be adding to the prize package each week. So far it includes:

A print copy of Lawmen and Outlaws
A signed copy of Passionate Ink: A Guide to Writing Erotic Romance by Angela Knight (one of my writing bibles)
A .pdf of Dirty Business, donated by my lovely friend and CP, Monica Kaye (Thanks, Monica!)
A .pdf of Seduced in Seoul

I'll be heading to Ellora's Cave's first ever conference, RomantiCon, on October 9. I expect I'll be adding some great stuff to the prize package when I return!

In addition, I've started a Yahoo group. I'm new at this, but I envision Helen's Heroes, the loop, as a place for authors to share sizzling excerpts, exciting news, and hot hunks, as well as a haven to chat about all things romance with readers and writers who love it. If that sounds good to you, you can join here. As an added incentive, everyone who joins the loop this month will get five entries in my contest. So please join up! We'll find our feet as we go.