Author Jo Leigh is one of my favorite Harlequin authors. Her blazes are an inspiration and I’ve never seen anyone write as tightly as she does. During 70 days of sweat she was an amazingly supportive lady, full of fun and really pushing us all to succeed. It breaks my heart to know that her husband passed on Friday.  She is struggling due to the cost of medical bills. It’s heartbreaking. I found this information via Lynn Viehl’s Paperback Writer blog. So I’m forwarding this message, in its entirety, from  Stephanie Tyler’s weblog:

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“One of our own, author Jo Leigh (aka Jolie Kramer) lost her husband on June 13 after he courageously battled cancer. If you don’t know their story which is the stuff romance novels are made of, you can read it here and see their wedding picture here.

In addition to being a fabulous friend to so many and a mulit-RITA nominated author who has written for Harlequin Blaze, Temptation, Intrigue, Special Projects, Silhouette Intimate Moments and Meteor Kismet, Jo is known across the country for the amazing writing classes she teaches, including one on plotting that is incomparable. She has been incredibly generous to so many in sharing her knowledge and expertise.

Unfortunately, Jo has been left with a lot of medical expenses she will be struggling to cover as they had no health insurance, and we would like to help her out by holding several fundraising auctions. If you have items to donate - books or book baskets/collections, critiques, ARCs of upcoming releases, mentoring opportunities, web or promotional material design work etc., please email the item description to the following email address: forjoleigh@gmail.com. This is the address we’re using to organize the items.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Alison Kent, HelenKay Dimon, Larissa Ione, Stephanie Tyler

**edited to add - We’ve been asked about monetary donations - please email me via my contact page and I’ll email you the paypal address, if this is how you wish to help Jo.

We’ve already covered a lot of loops and groups, but if you’d like to post it where you haven’t seen it, or put it up on your blog, that would be wonderful.”
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I don’t know what I’m going to do to help. The cost of shipping is so outrageous right now. I’ve got a quilt I could finish and send in. Perhaps a service I could offer. I have several print books I’d love to throw in. What about you?  Anyone else wanting to give? Or do you know another website, author, individual who’s donating something? If so, I’ll be happy to add their links to the bottom of this post.

Lynn is donating a gorgeous quilt as well as some signed Darkyn and StarDoc novels.

This week I’m happy to chat with Emma Ray Garrett. The lady and I go way back. She’s an amazing woman with an incredible talent at spinning tales of the action adventure persuasion. Her characters’ relationships are nothing short of explosive in their intensity and she rocks it consistently. I am proud to call her friend and am squee-ing at the fact that she was willing to talk to me about one of my favorite series to date…Pret Ops.

Identity is your newest release with Changeling Press. Let me tell you, it’s SMOKIN’ hot. I’m completely in lust with both of the men. *WEG* So tell me, what was it like revisiting your Pret Ops world?

I had a blast falling back in love with the Recondite Corp. One of my fav genres is military fiction, so being able to mix elements of that with erotica, and some thriller tossed in for good measure, was absolutely fantastic

All the Pret Ops books are novellas, have you thought about doing a full length book?

I have, yes. Short books can be a lot of fun, but I know this world has so much more detail to share with readers. I’m not making any promises, LOL, but I do hope one day to write a full length Pret Ops story.

What made you choose Cole and John, after all they share the same last name and were foster brothers for a time?

LOL, true. They were as close as any brothers could be after Cole came to live with the Marshall’s. But much like Nat and Stas - from “Familiar” - there was never any familial feeling between the two men. Cole took the Marshall last name when he turned 18 as much out of honor and thanks to the Marshall’s, as to signify starting out adult life a new man. He was putting aside the really, really bad things from his childhood and embracing the healed, strengthened man he’d become with the Marshall’s.

I adore polar bears (secret weakness…shhh don’t tell anyone). What was the most challenging part about writing a polar bear and seal combination?

Pondering the mechanics. The Pret Ops world follows certain scientific principles of our own world, so I had to figure out a way to make a polar bear shifter happen AND understand how the combination would pan out. I had a ton of fun with it, btw, and I love the added tension between Cole and Lucia. Mortal enemies and all, LOL!

In Identity you introduced us to a new division. Would you like to tell us more about it?

Sure. Cyber Operations is the unit John and Cole Marshall have put all their spare time into for the last decade plus. Cy Ops specializes in computer/internet crime involving preternaturals - whether as victims or perpetrators. I am such a tech freak, I’ve been thinking about this branch of the Corp nearly from the beginning of the series. I mean, super men and women kick ass and take names, but they’re just as vulnerable to cyber wars - perhaps more so because they have more to protect - as the rest of us. I really wanted to know about the people in the Corp who ride the line of exposure more than any of the rest of the Pret Ops world and that’s where Cy Ops began. The first book in the Cy Ops series should be out later this year

Would you be willing to share a juicy excerpt with us?

It would be my pleasure!

Due to the nature of the incredibly lusty and deliciously decadent excerpt, I have to ask you to please click to read more. All content is © Emma Ray Garrett. Click for more at your own risk…*WEG* (more…)

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the series Leandros.  My fellow Phenomena sister and Daughter of Circe, Michelle Hasker, did an awesome job with this fun and yummy launch title for her new series…Leandros: Sairah’s Salvation.   I got the opportunity to read it and let me tell you, I loved it!  Here’s the pertinent info:

ISBN (13): 978-1-59596-946-0

Genre(s): Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Erotic Romance

Theme(s): Shapeshifters

Series: Leandros

Length: Novella

Blurb:

Sairah Mellon hungers for an all-consuming love, just like the one in her dreams. When she comes face to face with him will she believe his fantastic tale of aliens and shape shifters and agree to travel to her dream lover’s home planet to become his mate?

Cade knows Sairah is his mate, but she’s been raised on Earth. He doesn’t know how he’ll be able to convince her she’s not only an alien, but a shape shifter as well. When another creature tries to kill her, he shifts to his lion form and risks everything to save her. It lands him in a heap of trouble that only she can save him from — if she can stop being angry at him long enough to help him.

Thank you for giving me a chance to interview you, Michelle.  Welcome to my neck of the dire woods.  Let’s see what naughtiness we can uncover!

1. What was your favorite part about writing Leandros: Sairah’s Salvation?  Killing the werewolf (LOL)

2. What plans do you have for the series, Leandros? Basically I just plan to have fun with that world. See what kooky, kinky things I can come up with.

3. Alien shapeshifters are just yummy, especially those that turn into lions.  How much fun was it to research about the big cats?  And can you give us a cool factoid?  I have tons of factoids hehehe. Hmmm. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. In the United States, approximately 1.5 to 3 percent of healthy cats are infected with FIV. Rates rise significantly-15 percent or more-in cats that are sick or at high risk of infection.

4. If you were on a deserted island and could bring only three things, what would they be and why?  books/laptop/my muse lol

  I’m a huge fan of your muse…can I borrow him when I have to go to the deserted island?  Or anytime?  LOL. 

5. I would LOVE a steamy excerpt from your HOT new release! 

Sairah moaned and rolled on her back as hands slid over her. Questing hands that had explored every inch of her body for the past few months. Hands that brought her to the pinnacle of desire and thrust her into orgasms so intense she woke entangled in drenched sheets.

But she wasn’t asleep. Not yet. She’d just closed her eyes when the sweet scent of magnolias drifted into her bedroom. How is this possible? Can he be real? Is tonight the night he fulfills my fantasy? God, I wish!  

Opening her eyes was out of the question. He might vanish and she’d be left alone. Again.

Sairah gasped as nimble fingers pinched her nipples until they hardened. Tingles raced through her body as her lover worked his magic. He brought her to the edge, then changed tactics and drew her back to that edge time and again, not letting her crest. All coherent thought fled.

With a moan, she arched into his touch, praying this time she’d find release. Her mouth opened wordlessly as shivers raced up her spine. Sairah fisted her hands in her sheets and turned her face, burying it against her pillow. The urge to demand he fuck her was almost overwhelming.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, Michelle.  *WEG*  If you’d like to find more about this awesome read, click here.  

Michelle’s Website

Michelle’s Blog 

Phenomena-Authors

I spent the weekend enjoying delicious colcannon, corned beef, and taters. Man, I don’t want it to end! Since I was determined to continue in my celebration I bought six Irish-inspired erotic romances from some of my favorite authors.

Kate Hill, Michelle Hasker, Aline de Chevigny, Elizabeth Jewell and Jeanne Barrack

As I read them I’ll give individual reviews. They’ll be short, but fun! Have a great week everyone! I’ll be back to writing tomorrow evening! YAY!

I LOVE THIS STORY!!!!! 

“7% and Rising” by Kim Knox

Buy from MBaM!
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Romantic SciFi-Futuristic

ISBN: 1-59998-695-7
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Publication Date: November 27, 2007
Cover art by Dawn Seewer

He used her. She can’t trust him. But the fire burns between them hotter than ever.

For Level Seven Observer Cahn Dal, her mission is simple—on the surface. Travel 700 years into the past, alter a complicated equation that will assure the continuation of this timeline, and slip out unnoticed. Except someone else got there first, and he’s waiting for her. Alexander Roen. The man she has loved since she was a teenager, and, to her disgust, finds she still desires as hot and as hard as ever.

Roen, former Level One Observer, known traitor to the Foundation, and hampered by an old injury, needs Cahn’s help to find out who’s behind a massive conspiracy to alter the timeline. His body isn’t too broken, though, to forget his long-denied passion for Cahn.

Cahn reluctantly agrees to help find the one piece of evidence that will solve Roen’s puzzle. But when she finds it, barely escaping with her life, they find it isn’t the end.

It’s just the beginning of a deeper nightmare, one filled with monsters of unimaginable horror.

Kim was awesome enough to give us some Q&A.   

question 1: how did you come up with the story for 7%

The first quarter of the story leapt out at me as a woman landed in the twenty fifth century and followed her mission orders with her bitter, pissed off artificial associate.  Then she met the damaged Roen.  I could almost hear the whirr and click of his leg  The rest of the plot came slowly, I had to twist it and twist until I was happy all the ends fitted.  I’ve always had a love for time travel and how it can seriously screw with your life.  What can I say?  I can’t help it, I was brought up on Doctor Who. *grin*

question 2: you’re known for creating amazing worlds and intense storylines in an explosive novella package. Have you ever considered expanding the world with another novella or two?

I think there could be another story in the world of 7% and Rising.  I have to admit I’m nervous about sequels, lol, but I’m coming around to the idea.  I have ideas that follow up To Summon a Demon and Nimue’s Price.  Now I just have to find the time to actually write them!

question 3: Name one quirk you have as a writer. It can be a ritual or a way you write.

Layering in the senses is important to me.  Sight and sound turn up automatically, but the one I have to have in every scene is the sense of smell.  It’s the most primal sense and pulls out memories and emotion. A whiff of cinnamon can pull be back to my very early childhood and brings with it a swell of half-remembered images.  For me, it brings a scene to life.

question 4: What was the most difficult part about writing 7%

Keeping the plot straight, lol  My plots are usually twisty-turny anyway, throw in the heroine, Cahn Dal, jumping backwards and forwards in time and it literally added a whole new dimension.

question 5: The cover is absolutely gorgeous. Dawn Seewer did an unbelievable job. Would you mind giving us a tasty excerpt?

Yes, the cover is just beautiful.  And here’s a little snippet:

“Here.” He lifted a mug she hadn’t noticed him holding. “This will help.”

“What is it?”

Roen limped towards her and the rising scent from the mug reached out to tantalise her. Cahn breathed it in and almost sighed. “Your special chocolate.”

“Very hot milk chocolate with fresh double cream and caramel syrup…”

“You’re evil.”

Roen smirked. “I know.”

Her hands closed around the mug and, for a long moment, she let herself breathe in the rich aroma of chocolate. Roen knew her weakness. It had been years since she’d last had it. Years. She sipped and the cool, light touch of the cream lingered on her lips, her tongue. She tilted the mug and the rich flow of sweet liquid chocolate made her sigh.

Memories rose unwanted. Roen’s bright apartment with its clean painted walls and expensive furniture. Her mother laughing at something Roen had said. Her father quiet and just showing his slow, cautious smile. Roen’s sisters holding up their cups, demanding more from the ancient chocolate pot that he’d pilfered on one of his missions.

Dead. They were all dead. Only she and Roen remained.

Her hand shook.

Hot tears burned her eyes and her throat tightened.

Roen grabbed the mug before she spilt it and dumped it on the table. “Cahn?”

She turned from him and scrubbed hard at her wet face. “It’s too rich for me,” she muttered. “I’m used to…” Her words faltered at his warm hand on her shoulder. His fingers squeezed, gentle, comforting. Damn the man. Damn him. Why couldn’t he just be himself? His real self? “Roen, stop it.”

“What?” His hand slid from the thin cotton of her vest to her bare skin in a slow caress. “This?”

Cahn couldn’t breathe. “What…what are you doing?”

He brushed away her wet-slicked hair and pressed a kiss below her ear. She shivered. Roen did it again. And again. Soft. Slow. Insane. “Do you still want me to stop?”

It was all her little private fantasies come true. Roen wanted her. Her? 

“Cahn.” His breath stirred her damp skin. “Turn around.”

She closed her eyes and forced herself to face him. His thumb brushed her lips and she jumped. She stared at him, not quite believing the shine of want in his dark eyes.

“We have to grab what time we have,” he said.

He traced her jaw, fingers light. Cahn froze. He couldn’t mean it. Roen had never wanted her. Never. A smile touched his mouth, edged with regret. His gaze dropped away and he sighed. “But then again, perhaps not in this reality.”

He stepped back and his hand fell to his leg as it whirred. “Not as I am.”

No. Roen wasn’t getting away that easily.

“Yes,” Cahn said and covered his mouth with her own.

The taste of him made her groan. Hot, wet and just…him. Much better than chocolate. She stumbled back, impacting the cool stone wall and dragging Roen with her. The heavy press of his body against hers. His hands slid down, slipping into her shorts.

Yes, so much better than chocolate.

My fellow AMP and Changeling Press author, Jade Buchanan has a gorgeous new cover for her release Horsfall. I read the book and I absolutely adored it! I’ve known Jade since before she came to Aspen Mountain Press and wrote the delicious Black Wolf. I “whooped and hollered” with her when she was picked up for the summer heat antho for Samhain, and I screamed in joy when she announced every contract sell. One thing I will say, if you know Jade, you know her Joes, and I’ve been a fan of them since she first posted her pics.

Jade was awesome enough to tell us how Horsfall 1 came to be. This all male ménage is deliciously wicked to read. Check it out if you have a chance. It’s available now at Changeling Press.

I can’t tell you how happy I am that Horsfall: Tail of Two Brothers is out. I dreamed this story up last year when I was out conducting two safety audits within the space of a few weeks. The first was on a horse ranch and the second was a steel manufacturer and my quirky little mind kept wandering off when I was supposed to be paying attention!

Meet Oliver Philip, a safety auditor who is about to get in over his head when he goes out to visit his new client and instead discovers two of the hottest men he’s ever met. Bayard and Marshall Stoddard are twins and they’re also Shire horse shapeshifters. Think big, burly and dominant! Both men want Oliver, and it’ll be up to him to figure out what to do with them. Now, why don’t things like this happen to me in real life?!? I want twin horse shapeshifters!

Happy Reading!

So without any further ado, here’s the pertinent info. I *loved* the story.

Title: Horsfall 1: Tail of Two Brothers
Author: Jade Buchanan
ISBN: 978-1-59596-939-2
Page Count: 78
Price: $4.49
Release Date: February 29, 2008
Genres & Themes: Paranormal; Gay, Shapeshifters

What started out as just another day for Oliver Philip quickly turned stranger than any fiction he’d ever read. Arriving at Horsfall Ranch to conduct an audit on their safety program, Oliver can’t keep his eyes off owner Bayard Stoddard. A long cool drink of water if he’s ever seen one. Just when it seems Bayard might be returning his attraction — as unprofessional as it might be right now — the tall, powerful man receives the news his twin, Marshall, is missing.

Imagine Oliver’s surprise when the abused Shire horse he finds chained up on a neighboring ranch shapeshifts into a man that looks surprisingly familiar… it seems he’s found Bayard’s missing twin.

Here are the books of hers that I have on my keeper shelf (folder, you know what I mean!!). Most of these are awesome bestsellers and receive rave reviews. If you’re interested in finding out more, please feel free to click on any of the pictures.

Much love, all. And have a FANTASTIC weekend!

Past Lies is NOW available in Print.  I love the way she twists a contemporary.  Past Lies is one of my favorites and I’ve been dying to get my hands on it in print.  Here’s the pertinent information.

“Past Lies PRINT” by Kim Rees

Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 1-59998-732-5
Length: 216 Pages
Price: 12.00
Publication Date: February 26, 2008
Cover art by Vanessa Hawthorne

The lies were no protection. Not anymore…

Anna Shrewsbury is trapped.

The whims of her sister control her life. She wants to be free…and she thought her brother-in-law had helped her find freedom with his last act. But instead, she seems to be the butt of one of his infamous jokes.

She now has a half share in a company she doesn’t want, while her childhood home and her promised sanctuary is bequeathed to a man who hates her. And then there’s the deal. She has to live a week with him. A whole week with Zachary Quinn.

For six years, a shield of lies has protected Anna. But in beginning a new life, she must break away from those lies. Be prepared to face Zach’s fury. And his passion…

Warning, this title contains the following: more sexual tension than you can shake a stick at…

*edited to add: If you haven’t read Heaving Bosoms, the comments section has a plot spoiler.  Contact me at Dawn @ dawnmontgomery dot com with your comment and I’ll post it for you*

My fellow LAW sister has stopped by my blog on her whirlwind virtual tour celebrating the release of her newest erotic romance: Quivering Thighs. *WEG* I love her titles. Without further ado, here’s the info from Ash’s hot title.

Standalone sequel to Heaving Bosoms.

Kendra Dempsey took her gangster boyfriend’s money and ran. The problem is, it was supposed to be split three ways. Going back to Las Vegas is out of the question, so she goes after the fresh start she needs. Indulging her fantasy of living in paradise, escaping the mob and having a career that utilizes her drawing talent, she moves to Hawaii and apprentices as a tattoo artist. Since all the mobsters are in prison now, she can finally relax, right?

Jake Jensen is a cop assigned to work his first undercover assignment at a suspected chop shop, Bump and Grind Auto Body, but he doesn’t look the part. The quickest thing he can do to roughen his clean-cut edges is to let his hair grow and get some cool tattoos. When the dyslexic tattoo apprentice makes a mistake in the lettering, will he be a laughing stock? Should he blow his cover and help her when she’s in more danger than he is?

Excerpt and buy link: Quivering Thighs. http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419914539

Ash was kind enough to share some of her creative process on developing Heaving Bosoms and Quivering Thighs. *WEG*

How do you research a book like Heaving Bosoms?

It has a woman who had married a mobster, a medical student, a Vegas showgirl/mistress, and a hit man. Believe it or not, this is the ONLY book I didn’t have to research. I had already done my research via a life rich in strange experiences. What does that say about me?

I was a psychiatric RN for a long, long, loooong time. About 15 years to be exact. I had two patients who were indeed, “married to the mob.” One was a beautiful woman who looked just like an aging Barbie doll. Her husband was ruthless. He turned into an abusive (blankety-blank) when her gorgeous looks began to fade, even turning her own sons against her. She was one of the few who wanted to remain on the locked ward-because she felt safer there. Her story was so sad, we actually hugged and cried together at one point, despite a strict “hands-off” policy.

Another woman came to our crisis center when I was the director. Her hit-man ex-husband went to jail. She had been in hiding and isolated for so long, she had become extremely depressed. She was still terrified that he would have someone go after her since he’d never forgiven her for divorcing him. She didn’t think she’d ever be able to go outside without disguising herself and even so, feared for her life.

And then there was the mafia-connected man who came into the drug rehab when I worked the night shift. He couldn’t sleep, so he stayed up all night telling me his whole life story for two nights in a row. He thought it would make a great book. Believe me, I learned things I never wanted to know! Why, oh, why did I tell him I wanted to be a writer? So-I had a good basic knowledge of these very complicated people and the lives they led.

As a nurse who attended Newton-Wellesley School of Nursing, a Tufts teaching hospital, I worked and studied beside medical students every day. There was one particular young man who I shared some cases with and we became casual friends. He had financial problems (Tufts ain’t cheap!) and had to finish his schooling at home in Texas instead of the medical Mecca that is Greater Boston. Too bad. He was a babe! (giggles)

I had my hero attend a less expensive school, work per diem as a paramedic and use his credit card to help Tonia. The two-day trip to Grand Cayman to collect an unknown amount of money from an offshore bank account was courtesy of the villain. I was positively wounded when one reviewer said my hero didn’t sound like a medical student and he couldn’t have afforded a vacation in the Caymans! Did she read my book? My uncles who are doctors helped answer my questions too, and they may have gone to medical school long ago, but I trust their memories.

The only character I had no experience with was the Vegas showgirl/mistress. Oh well. That’s where imagination comes in. Besides, I’ve watched loads of CSI episodes! (laughs) The hardest part of writing her character was redeeming her at the end. First readers and critique partners really wanted to know what happened to her. I had hinted at her dark past, yet she refused to reveal exactly what that entailed. Redeeming Kendra wasn’t an easy task! She and Tonia (from the first book) hated each other and Raphael, Tonia’s hero, had to split up some real cat-fights!

Knowing I had to write a sequel, starring Kendra, I created the questions: Did she get away with it? Where did she go? And how much money was in that off-shore bank account anyway? And if you wondered about her bizarre history and how she became so jaded, all those questions and more will be answered in the sequel to Heaving Bosoms, aptly and irreverently named, Quivering Thighs. It’s much steamier than the first book since this heroine was so much edgier, and it became an explosive, erotic romance when she met her man, and her match, Jake! This book can stand alone even though it’s a sequel.

Thank you, Ash!

My fellow Daughter of Circe, Michelle Hasker has a new release!  I’ve been waiting for this one forever!  I really dig this cover.

Title: The Agency: Serpent’s Kiss

Author: Michelle Hasker

ISBN: 978-1-59596-959-0

Page Count: 45

Price: $3.99

Release Date: February 22, 2008

Editor: Chrissie Henderson

Cover Artist: Reneé George

Genres & Themes: Paranormal; Action Adventure; Shapeshifters

Agent John Macallister is so deep undercover he’s not sure who he is anymore. Fortunately the Agency has sent one of their best operatives to rescue him — from himself. Only problem? She’s a giant anaconda.

Sleeping with the man you’re guarding is a bad idea. Especially if you’re a snake shapeshifter pretending to be nothing more than a six-foot-long, yellow anaconda and you’re in love with the man you’re guarding. As if not being able to have sex with John isn’t bad enough, they’re in the middle of a drug dealer’s paradise and everyone wants him dead. Kim doesn’t know which is harder, keeping John alive or keeping her hands — and her identity — to herself.

Hey gang, my fellow Daughter of Circe, Bianca D’Arc has a new release! Here are the goods.

Davin’s Quest by Bianca D’Arc

Read An Excerpt Online
ISBN: 1-59998-457-1
Length: Novel
Price: $5.50
Publication Date: February 19, 2008

Which man will Callie choose, the alien or the warrior? Or can she have both?

Resonanace Mates Book 2

For each Alvian, there is one perfect match—a Resonance Mate whose soul blends in perfect harmony. Unlike the rest of his race, Davin has emotions and suffers for it. Without a mate, he is doomed to go mad. Searching for answers and understanding, he seeks out Callie O’Hara, a human woman with strong empathic gifts. Could this fragile human be his Resonance Mate?

Rick St. John is a tough-as-nails survivor of the Alvian occupation of Earth. He doesn’t believe in much, but when he sees Callie for the first time, he starts to believe in love at first sight.

The Governing Council is gunning for Davin, the upstart who dares to defy them. And they’ll kill anyone who gets in their way. Davin and Rick must come to terms with their feelings for Callie in order to keep her safe, while she has to find a way to save them both…with her love.