TWO REVIEWS AND A DEADLINE

Still working on Calendar Boy for AMP. I estimate another 6000 words, then editing and revising tomorrow. If all goes as planned, I should have it to Celina by my deadline of August 1.





In the meantime, two amazing reviews came in this week. The lovely Starla Kaye at Got Erotic Romance Reviews gave Primal Instinct 5 Diamonds. She says:

Primal Instinct is seriously primal, seriously hot. You’ll need a fan, a cool drink, and time to sit and just enjoy the short read.






The equally lovely Tiger Lily at Whipped Cream gave Loving Eve 4 Cherries. She says:

I know when I open a Helen Hardt book, I’m in for a treat. This story is no exception. Loving Eve is indeed hot. I had to check my screen for melted spots. I felt like I was right there with Eve, suffering her anxiety and overwhelming passion as she was wooed by the men in her life.








Many thanks to both Starla and Tiger Lily, and of course to my editors, Diana Carlile and Sue-Ellen Gower, respectively, who helped make these stories shine.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Be sure to come back on Monday to visit my good friend April Vine. She has a sizzling Indian hero to share with us!

HUMP-DAY HUNK

I'm in deadline hell this week -- help! Unfortunately that means I haven't had time to find a new hunk for today, so here are a few from my files for your enjoyment...including one for those ladies over 18 only!

MEET THE HEROTy from Ex Appeal

I always love it when Cari Quinn visits! She and I met two years ago when we were both editing for a small press. We became CPs and good friends! My favorite Cari/Helen story involves her first release, Full Disclosure, and my cougar story, The Cowboy and the Cougar. We hadn't told each other about our stories, but when we exchanged pages for critique, we found out that 1. we were both writing cougar stories; 2. both our heroines were named Holly; and 3. both our Hollys were attorneys. Being that much in sync with your CP is a great thing indeed!

Today Cari is introducing us to the hero in Ex Appeal, a sequel to Full Disclosure. Ex Appeal is available at The Wilder Rose Press.

Blurb:

As the webmistress for one of the Northeast’s hottest dating sites, Hunk Du Jour, Jenny Talbot is no stranger to reading the applications of potential clients. But when the latest application that crosses her inbox belongs to Ty Randall, the guy she broke up with a mere twenty-seven days ago, she does a double take. Reading what Ty wants in bed not only gets Jenny hot, it also makes her rethink ending their relationship. All she longed for was a little more spice in the bedroom—okay, a lot more—but he let her go without an argument. Faced with the possibility that Ty may really be moving on, getting her ex back becomes more appealing than ever. But will revealing exactly what she needs allow Jenny to finally experience ultimate pleasure or will she drive away the man she loves for good?

Excerpt:

The weight of his stare made her open her eyes. He’d turned to face her again, but he’d moved no closer. "I told myself it was your problem, not mine. Yeah, I've been distracted. Busy with other things. But then I realized that if a woman leaves your bed wanting, that's your own damn fault." His eerie mirror of her earlier thoughts made her breath hitch as he returned to her and gripped her upper arms. Not roughly, not painfully. Possessively. "I need you in my life. Which means it's up to me to keep you happy. Whatever it takes."

She started to roll her eyes at his melodramatics. But before she could shoot back a response, he swung her up in his arms and hauled her up on the deck. His hold brooked no arguments, but that didn’t stop her from slapping at him as he carried her inside and dumped her on the bed.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve.” She shoved her dripping hair out of her eyes. Eyes that were now thankfully bone dry. Anger always had that effect on her.

“And we’ve got a lot of time to make up for.” Ty bent over, then tossed the pink bag from Adult Playland onto her lap. Out bobbed cranberry lace and satin and the erotic crayons she hadn’t yet shown him. “You want to be tied up?”

For some reason, she blushed. “You’re making me feel like a naughty child.”

“I won’t say what you make me feel like.” Flashing her a thin smile, he pawed through her purchases with absolutely no finesse. Might as well have been digging through the sandbox. “Here we go. Over the door. Hooks and straps and this little silk nightie for me to tear to shreds with my teeth.”

Visit Cari at her blog.

AMP TURNS FOUR

One of my publishers, Aspen Mountain Press, is turning four! The celebration begins today at the AMP Community loop. You can join the loop here. Be sure to stop by to visit with your favorite authors and for the chance to win some great prizes!

AMP is the home of The Cowboy and the Cougar. I'm pleased to announce that my editor, Celina Summers, recently contracted a new cougar story from me, Calendar Boy. This is the first offer I've gotten on a proposal so now I have to write a really great story :).

Happy Birthday AMP!

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Henri Castelli

Does it get any better than those eyes and those lips? What is it about Brazilian men? Yes, Henri has been my hunk before, but I feel okay about featuring him again. I don't think I'll get any complaints!

MEET THE HEROSam from Picture This

Please welcome my good friend Kaily Hart!

Hi Helen. Thanks so much for having me here today! What can I say about Sam Steele, my hero from Picture This? He’s rude, crude and rough around the edges. He’s also arrogant and demanding and too used to getting his own way, particular when it comes to women and sex. Yeah, he’s a real gem, until he meets the heroine, Jillian, and it throws his usually predictable world upside down. I love to write the alpha male hero. I love to get into their POV. They’re so much fun, especially when I’m torturing them over their reactions to the heroine, reactions they typically don’t have much control over!

BLURB

Desperate and young, Jillian Moore did something she knew would one day come back to bite her in the ass. She’d posed nude. For money. Years later, and on the fast track to a successful career, she’s still haunted by her mistake. She can’t help but wonder when her past will catch up with her.


Samuel Steele is not short on female attention, but the women who warm his bed pale in comparison to the fantasy he’s created of the seductive temptress in the painting hanging prominently in his bedroom. A fantasy that has ruined his once satisfying sex life. When he discovers that her exact likeness works in his building—for him—things get…interesting.

EXCERPT

Christ, he was a sick fuck.

Sam rubbed his hand over the rough stubble on his jaw, the raspy sound loud in the quiet room. Carla, Carrie, or whatever the hell her name was, had left. Hell, she hadn’t been able to get away fast enough once she’d figured it out. He could still smell the unmistakable scent of sex. It was thick and heavy in the air and wafted up from the ruined sheets he was lying on every time he moved. It’d been good—hard, fast and impersonal, just how he liked it. Okay, so it’d gone to crap at the end, but he’d gotten his rocks off and had no complaints in that regard. She’d been gorgeous and built, with a tongue that was more talented than most and a way of moving her hips when she rode him that had almost blown the top of his head off. So what was his problem and what the fuck was he doing? He shouldn’t still want to, shouldn’t need to—

He shook his head in equal parts resignation and disgust as his hand unerringly found his hard cock. God, here he was. Playing with himself like some horny teenager, fantasizing about pussy and wild, rough, out of control sex—as if he didn’t get enough as it was. It shouldn’t even be possible for him to be this hard again this fast. He shuddered at the sensation as he wrapped his fingers around his shaft and parted his legs to give himself more room. He couldn’t prevent the groan of anticipation when he reached down and cupped his balls with his other hand.

Eyes riveted to the opposite wall, he gave in to the raging need that had plagued him for weeks, a need that was unrelenting in its fierce grip. A need he knew he couldn’t fight for long. It just made it worse.

Yeah, he’d become one sick fuck all right.

BIO

Kaily Hart, a seemingly straight-laced mother of four left corporate America and a high-powered, lucrative career to be a stay at home mom. Ha! That lasted about four weeks, during which time she realized she had a deeply repressed dream - to write. Romance! By day, Kaily plays conservative wife and soccer mom, but at night crafts hot and steamy tales of romance and love with gorgeous heroes who wouldn’t dream of leaving the toilet set up. Ever. She’s smart and sassy, at least in her own mind, and is trying her best to bring the alpha male solidly back to contemporary romance. Two years ago she never would have thought she’d be doing this, but now that she is? It just feels so right.

PRIMAL INSTINCT AVAILABLE TODAY

The Rocky Mountains are the perfect place for Erin Monroe to contemplate life as a permanent single—until she meets Nick Foster and Landon Kay. One dark, one blond, both gorgeous--they saunter toward her as though they're used to getting exactly what they want. And they want Erin. The primal attraction is hard to resist and instinct tells her to let them have their way. But are these sexy creatures truly what they seem?

Buy Primal Instinct here.

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Gerard Butler

Two days until Primal Instinct!

And now, a man who needs no introduction -- one of my all time favorite hotties, that beautiful Scotsman, Gerard James Butler!

MEET THE HEROCamden from Take It Off, Warrior

Please welcome the lovely and talented Eliza Knight! Eliza's new EC release, Take It Off, Warrior, is a sizzler.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog! I love heroes, and hope readers enjoy my latest, Camden MacLeod.

I know they will! Here's a little bit about Eliza to start, then read on for an excerpt:

Eliza Knight is the multi-published author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor.

Blurb:

Sixteenth-century Highland laird Camden MacLeod wakes up in the modern world. Confused with his surroundings, he haphazardly throws on his kilt and goes in search of whoever has played such a foul trick on him. What he finds instead is beyond tempting…

Valerie is thoroughly exploring the medieval Scottish castle she’s rented for her best friend’s bachelorette party. Not only does an oddly shaped stone in tower catch her fancy—it somehow brings her dream man to life.

Excerpt:

Copyright © ELIZA KNIGHT, 2010

Isle of Skye, Scotland
Summer, Present day

“Oh yeah, strippers are on the menu. How about some sexy Highlanders in kilts?”

“Val, you’re the bestest friend a girl could ever have. What would I do without you?” Trish shrieked on the other end of the phone.

“Just leave it to me. Get the ladies on a train up here and I’ll make sure your bachelorette party rivals all others.”

Valerie Bennett hung up the phone and gazed around the little bookshop she now called home. She closed her eyes for a moment and took in the scent of the books, the smell of freshly baked bread from the baker next door and the aromatic flowers Tavia had dropped off for her this morning. All of them calming and somehow magical. A small smile crept over her lips as she opened her eyes, feeling fresh and alive.

Although she’d only lived on the Isle of Skye for a few months, she felt more at home here than she ever had in London. The Book Cove held a lot of precious memories from her youth, and although her grandmother had passed away, she was glad to still have the shop to remember her by.

She clicked on the internet and began to do a search, mindful of the few customers browsing her stacks of books. Renting a castle for the party would be a dream. None of her friends had made it out to visit her yet. Actually, all of them had thought she was slightly insane for packing up and leaving busy London for the quiet Isle. Even both of her parents had thought it a risky move. But she was doing quite well for herself, and enjoying the little niche she’d made here.

She wanted to make this trip as magical for her friends as possible. Maybe they’d see the pull Scotland had for her. The enchantment that took her breath away and made her feel like she was floating through a fantasy. The fresh air, the misting skies and the history. The sexy men who still dressed in kilts… It was a dream come true for her.

As she searched through the venues she recalled a man coming into the shop a few weeks prior. Laird MacLeod she thought he’d said, current owner of Dunvegan Castle. Shutting down the internet, Valerie walked down the different aisles of books, quickly skimming through the travel and history section until she found the book she was looking for. Dunvegan Castle. She sank to the floor and thumbed through the pages. God, the place was gorgeous. She’d always had a fascination with castles and history. Something about chivalry, valor, royalty just struck her as so romantic.

Dunvegan had been built some eight hundred years ago and still held tons of relics inside. It was perfect place to show her friends the magic of Skye—and they did rentals for weddings. Would they possibly let her rent it out for a bachelorette party?

Hadn’t Laird MacLeod said something about being very close to her grandmother and if there was anything she needed…

No, she couldn’t.

He certainly wouldn’t.

With that, she slammed the book closed and picked up the phone. Ten minutes later she shot an email off to Trish with the destination.

Castles and warriors, here we come.

* * * * *

Valerie wandered the halls of Dunvegan Castle and the Fairy Tower. Laird MacLeod had deemed this wing to be hers for the weekend. Paintings lined the walls, from ancient medieval battle scenes to more modern portraits. She smiled as she ran her fingertip over a carved table and came to stop in front of a sculpture. Her gaze widened as she took in the life-sized marble rendition of a warrior, from his Michelangelo feet to the top of his wavy-headed hair. The muscles carved intricately into the marble were so realistic. She reached out and ran her hands over the cool stone. Valerie licked her lips as the cool marble and muscled shape brought wicked images into her mind.

“If only you could come to life,” she murmured, looking down at the plaque at his feet, “Alasdair.”

While her girlfriends were out exploring Skye, she’d be booking the entertainment. And lord, she could only hope at least one was modeled after this sculpture.

Looking at her watch, she realized she still had time before her last “guest” was to arrive. Exotic males dancers had been streaming through the castle doors all morning. Already she’d booked several. She continued down the hall, her finger tracing some of the antique furniture, until she came to the end. An oak door, ancient symbols carved into the wood and a hooped metal handle adorning its face, stood slightly ajar. Curious beyond belief, she eased it open a bit and stuck her head inside. A winding stone staircase was the only thing behind the door. This was a separate set of stairs from the one she’d used earlier in the day to get to her room. Should she go down or up?

From what she’d learned, down would lead her to the sea gate…an eerie place that should only be discovered with a partner. She wasn’t sure she could fare the darkness that seemed to rise from below. Besides, even though she knew things like ghost stories couldn’t possibly be true, if there was a thread of truth to them… She shuddered and rubbed her arms. So many battles had been fought here, so many lives lost.

Just when she was about to turn around and continue toward the great hall, giving up completely on exploring the rooms of the tower, the sun cascaded in through an upper window. Rays spread out like fingers, beckoning her to continue her exploration. Warmth covered her, and suddenly the fear she’d felt was replaced by excitement.

“And the mystery continues…” she whispered as she slipped through the door and began to climb up.

NEW COVER AND NEW CONTRACT (and some hunky buns!)

The talented Angela Anderson has done it again! Check out the cover for my hot menage coming to The Wilder Rose Press on July 16. I love it!


Blurb:

The Rocky Mountains are the perfect place for Erin Monroe to contemplate life as a permanent single—until she meets Nick Foster and Landon Kay. One dark, one blond, both gorgeous--they saunter toward her as though they're used to getting exactly what they want. And they want Erin. The primal attraction is hard to resist and instinct tells her to let them have their way. But are these sexy creatures truly what they seem?

I'm also excited to announce that my new editor at Ellora's Cave, Briana St. James, has contracted Pianist Envy, an erotic novella. This will be my first collaboration with Bree and I'm looking forward to working with her.

And on to the hunky buns...

HUMP-DAY HUNK -- Joe Manganiello

I admit it. I totally stole today's hunk from my good friend Monica Kaye. No, I don't watch True Blood, so like Monica, I was ignorant of the existence of this specimen of male perfection. I really don't need to say much about him (except that he seems to be channeling a little Gerard Butler, which only makes him HOTTER). Let's let the photos do the talking...

MEET THE HEROClay from Doctor in Petticoats

Please welcome my good friend Paty Jager! Paty's introducing Clay Halsey, the exciting hero in her current release Doctor in Petticoats, available at The Wild Rose Press. First, a little about Paty, and then onto a delicious excerpt...

Wife, mother, grandmother, and the one who cleans pens and delivers the hay; award winning author Paty Jager has brought her husband of thirty-one years to maturity, along with four children. Currently the empty nesters farm 130 acres. She not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

Paty has been a member of RWA for twelve years belonging to several online chapters as well as EPIC, Women Writing the West, and Central Oregon Writers Guild.

She has four historical western romance novels available through The Wild Rose Press and one contemporary western, which won the 2008 Best Contemporary Romance EPPIE. She has two new releases this year, one a paranormal historical, Spirit of the Mountain, set among the Nez Perce and the fourth book in the Halsey brother's series, Doctor in Petticoats, she is also excited about her recently contracted contemporary western, Bridled Heart. To learn more about Paty drop by her website: http://www.patyjager.net To purchase her books to go http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Blurb:

After a life-altering accident and a failed relationship, Dr. Rachel Tarkiel gave up on love and settled for a life healing others as the physician at a School for the Blind. She's happy in her vocation--until handsome Clay Halsey shows up and inspires her to want more.

Blinded by a person he considered a friend, Clay curses his circumstances and his limitations. Intriguing Dr. Tarkiel shows him no pity, though. To her, he's as much a man as he ever was.

Can these two wounded souls conquer outside obstacles, as well as their own internal fears, and find love?

Excerpt:

“Slip your undergarment and dress back up. Someone’s knocked on the door twice.” He kissed her forehead and helped her into the top half of her dress.

Clay ran water into a basin and steadied his racing heart. If not for the man wanting in here, he would have taken her the first time in a washroom. He grimaced at his lack of control.

Rachel slid off the counter. Her clothing rustled, and when he deemed she was put back together, he handed her a wet cloth and buttoned his shirt.

“Thank you.” She took the rag and kissed his cheek. “For the rag and the wonderful ride.”

A knock sounded louder.

“I think we better head back to our seats.”

Walking out of this room with him would be embarrassing for Rachel. He wouldn’t see the looks and leers, but she would. Once again he’d let his body overrule his head. “I-I hope you don’t get ridiculed for this.”

She tucked her arm in his. “Let me worry about that.

They walked to the door, a wooden slat slid, and she pushed the door open.

“Excuse me, sir, could you step back. My husband is blind, and I don’t want him tripping over you.” Rachel tugged on his arm. “Thank you.” They walked the fifteen steps to their compartment.

Her hat bumped against his shoulder. “See, nothing to it. Not a snide remark or over-calculating look.”

Clay shook his head and smiled. After the way he’d ravaged her in the washroom, she should have been blushing and fumbling about, but his Rachel could handle any situation.