A quick reminder!

The huge multi-author rafflecopter contest may be over, however, the blog tour rafflecopter contest is still on! Win an Amazon gift card or free books. All you have to do is drop by our tour hosts’ websites to enter! Click on the pretty picture to the left to find the schedule of events!

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Uniform Desires is starting to fall in the ranking on Amazon. 🙁 We’re still in the hundreds (Thanks so much!), but those double digits were awfully gratifying to see. I hope everyone who planned on getting a copy already has, because we could sure use your support THIS WEEK with sales. And the collection is an awesome deal. Well worth your time. And if you’ve read it, please review it. Tell another reader why they should take the time to purchase and read it. Folks do pay attention to those reviews.

Want to look ahead so you can budget for more books? My release schedule is always a fluid thing. Things pop up I don’t expect, but I think these are pretty firm…

12/3/13 — Texas Surrender   (Ready for Pre-order!) This is a print book, published by Samhain, and it contains four Lone Star Lovers stories! So if you’ve been waiting for the paper version, here it is!

12/??/13— Big Brass Buckle   This one’s a revised re-release of a short story I published a while ago entitled simply “Cowboy.” If you’ve never read my sexy little story, this will be your chance.

12/10/13— Crescent Moon   (Ready for Pre-order!) This story was issued as a serial previously, but now it’s been re-edited and packaged as a novel, both in print and eBook version. If you haven’t read it, it’s kick-ass folks. Even if I do say so myself. Who doesn’t love mummies and demons and heroes with sugar-cane-sweet Cajun voices?

02/25/14— Reined In   Ready for the next Lone Star Lovers book? This sexy cowboy menage is set to hit in February! As soon as I have more details, I’ll be sure to share.

05/06/14 — Her Only Desire  (Ready for Pre-Order!) This will be the next big campaign. A full-length novel published by Forever (Grand Central), set in the Lousiana bayous and featuring a group of black ops guys deep into BDSM. Suspense, mystery, plenty of naughty pleasure. You are going to want this one! Pinkie swear!

5/20/14 — Once is Never Enough (Delta Heat, book #5)  You’ve been waiting for Mondo’s story. And I know it won’t come soon enough, but there’s a date set in stone for ya!

06/10/14 — Cowboy Heat: Western Romance for Women  (Ready for Pre-order!) This is the next Cleis collection of short stories I’ve edited. Plenty of sexy, erotic goodness!

So, that’s the lineup as I see it now. I’m sure there will be little things popping up unexpectedly, little surprises for you, but be sure to mark your calendars and get those pre-orders set so you get the best deal you can.

I’m busy writing, writing, writing. I love hearing from you. Especially those notes that encourage me to write the next book in a series. I do listen and plan accordingly. If you have a hankering from something you don’t see here, let me know. 

New Release! SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs

–CONTEST ALERT! — Leave a comment for author Adele Downs and be automatically entered to win a firefighter themed Christmas ornament for the holidays. USA and Canada mailing addresses please. Follow Adele’s blog tour for multiple chances to win. Weekly winners announced on Adele’s blog Saturdays through December. https://adeledowns.wordpress.com

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SANTA TO THE RESCUE firefighter hero Jamey Tucker and heroine Heather Longhurst, a pediatric nurse, mix one of Heather’s favorite adult beverages for their friends during a holiday party. The firefighters from Appleton Fire Station and the nursing staff from County Hospital mingle at Heather’s place. While the guys take their tequila with lime, the women enjoy something on the sweeter side. Here’s the recipe that gave their party that little something extra. Enjoy! Courtesy of Sauza® Tequila. Posted with permission.

Chocolate Vanilla Margarita Sips:

Serves 12

12 parts of Sauza® Blue Tequila
9 parts of Chocolate Liquor
6 parts of Chocolate Sauce or Syrup
2 cups ice

For the Vanilla Whipped Cream:
1 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream
2 tbsp. Powdered Sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract

If you want to get fancy:
Chocolate block (for shaving on top)

To Make:
Beat together the whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Meanwhile, prepare your mini cordial or shot glasses by dipping the lip in 1 tbsp. of chocolate sauce. Combine tequila, chocolate liquor, chocolate sauce and ice in a shaker filled with ice. To serve these mini-sips, spoon 1 tablespoon whipped cream into each glass. Top with 2 parts of chilled chocolate-tequila. Serve immediately and toast to your good health! Salud!

For more Sauza® Tequila recipes, visit https://us.sauzatequila.com/

SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs

A sweet contemporary romance novella
From Entangled Publishing

Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: An honorable man doesn’t go back on his word, never hurts a woman, and lasting love isn’t a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at the Appleton Fire station, the long hours don’t offer hope of finding the love he’s looking for.

When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing Santa Baby in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can’t keep. Heather has been betrayed by men in the past, making it hard for Jamey to gain her trust. Determined to find a way to win her heart, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather’s favorite song to prove he’s got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.

Excerpt:

Jamey Tucker unfastened his helmet, lifted his facemask and tugged off his fire retardant gloves before gulping a half liter of water. He could almost hear the liquid sizzle against his throat, dousing the heat, much like the smoldering embers behind him turned to sodden ash.

He held out the cup to the volunteer rescue worker manning the drinking water. “More.” That simple word was as much as he could manage. After chugging down a refill, moisture returned to his mouth and tongue. He licked his lips and released a satisfied sigh. All he needed was a hot shower and some chow to feel human again. “Thanks, man.”

“No problem. Merry Christmas, Jamey.”

“Yeah. You too.” He stank like a chimney after fighting a fire ‘till dawn. Dumb kids and their vacant warehouse Rave had caused their team hours of grief and gut wrenching work. Luckily, no one died. The last thing on his mind then or now had been Christmas.

Only .99! — Amazon Link

Only .99! — B&N Nook Book Link

About Adele Downs:
Adele Downs writes contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report), the trade journal of Romance Writers of America, and has presented workshops for writers. When she isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

Visit Adele Downs at https://adeledowns.wordpress.com
Like Adele Downs on Facebook!
Follow Adele Downs on Twitter!

I’m getting a late start today because I was up until 2 AM. I’m obsessing over Amazon’s ranking of Uniform Desires. Have you seen it? I took a screen shot after midnight:

So before I talk about the blog tour, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who bought the boxed collection! As always, I hoped for good sales, but this is phenomenal. All of the ladies involved in this project are very, very grateful for your support! If you’d like to help us keep the momentum going, tell a friend, write a review, post something on your Facebook page or blog—every little bit of help you can provide will make a difference.

You already know about the Uniform Desires rafflecopter contest with the huge bundle of prizes we’re all giving away, right? If not, click on the link and head that way. You don’t want to miss out on your chance to win some very cool stuff!

In addition, Book Monster Promotions has organized a blog tour for us. Again, we have prizes, a chance to read sexy excerpts, and we’ll chime in at every stop to answer your questions or comments. Don’t worry if you missed the first day’s stops, you can circle back and comment. The list of stops and their links is below the pretty picture!

Uniform Desires (Make Mine Military) Box Set Book Blast – November 11 – 24

11/11 My Secret Romance Book Reviews
https://www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com/

11/11 Recommended Romance
https://recommendedromance.com

11/11 Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads
https://shaynareneesspicyreads.com

11/12 Swept Away By Romance
https://www.sweptawaybyromance.com/

11/13 Riverina Romantics
https://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

11/13 Where the Night Kind Roam
https://paranormalromancenovel.com/

11/14 Close Encounters with the Night Kind
https://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com

11/14 Crazy Four Books
https://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com

11/15 Book Pages and Dripping Ink
https://bookpagesanddrippingink.blogspot.com

11/16 Mythical Books
https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/

11/17 Snarky Mom Reads…
https://www.snarkymomreads.com

11/18 – Book Monster Reviews
https://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

11/19 Miscellaneous Thoughts of a Bookaholic
miscellaneousthoughtsofabookaholic.blogspot.com

11/20 For the Love of Bookends
https://loveofbookends.blogspot.com/

11/21 KT Book Reviews
https://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/

11/21 We Love Kink
https://www.welovekink.com

11/22 Book Lovin’ Mamas
https://booklovinmamas.com

11/22 Celestial Reviews
https://cecesreviews.blogspot.com

11/22 Coffee Talk Writers
https://coffeetalkwriters.com

11/23 Manga Maniac Café
www.mangamaniaccafe.com

11/24 Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews
https://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/

11/24 Vampires, Werewolves, & Fairies, Oh My!
https://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/

Again, big sloppy kisses to all of you who bought the stories! Thanks for the exciting ride!

 Update: The winner of Elle’s swag pack is…Judy Ree!

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SEAL’S Honor by Elle James (also writing as Myla Jackson)

Comment for a chance to win this prize!

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Navy SEALs jeopardize their lives and hearts in a battle-torn land when they vie for the love of one sexy Night Stalker helicopter pilot

Reed Tucker doesn’t believe in commitment, not when you’re a SEAL deployed in dangerous situations that could lead to death or dismemberment. Until he tangles the sheets with one hot pilot, Delaney O’Connell. His phobia against commitment is challenged when his best friend asks Delaney O’Connell to marry him and she doesn’t say no.

As a helicopter pilot for the 160^th Night Stalkers, Delaney O’Connell knows the risks of loving a SEAL. She’s ferried her share of soldiers and frogmen into and out of danger. All she asks is that Tuck own up to his love for her. When he allows his friend to ask her to marry him without staking his own claim, she’s hurt and disappointed. When his friend loses an arm in battle, she can’t refuse his hand in marriage, not when he’s sacrificed so much for his country. In love with one man, about to marry another, she’s torn. Caught in a triangle of his own making, Tuck can’t dishonor his friend by stealing his fiancé. Tuck and Delaney must come to grips with the happiness they owe themselves and the happiness of their friend who has given so much of himself.

Excerpt #1  Tuck lurked in the hallway outside the ladies room, waiting for her to emerge. When Delaney stepped out, he snagged her arm and pulled her into the shadows at the end of the hall and into his tight embrace. At first stiff, as soon as she realized who it was, she semi-melted into him, her body fitting perfectly against his. “Damn it, Tuck, you scared the crap out of me.” She batted his arm and stared up at him, her brow twisted into a tight frown. “You can’t go around grabbing me.” He grinned. “Kiss me.” “No.” “Then I’ll have to kiss you.” “What part of no—” Almost a full foot taller than the petite, perfectly packaged helicopter pilot, Tuck bent to close the distance, sealing her mouth with his and effectively cutting off her argument. Loving the feel of her warm, full lips against his, he clamped his arms around her, lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist and spun her until her back was against the wall. He deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue past her teeth, whipping down the length of hers in a long sexy slide. For a full fifteen seconds, she resisted, her hands pressing against his chest. Then her fingers curled into his shirt and she was kissing him back. Not gently, but like she’d gone without food for a week and was hungry for him, her mouth working over his, devouring him. God, she tasted so good, like peaches and rum. Sweet, tangy and devilishly intoxicating. When he broke for air, she leaned her head to the side. “I swore I wouldn’t do this again.” “Why?” Tuck trailed kisses down the line of her exposed neck. Tuck paused at the base of her throat where her pulse thrummed like the patter of machinegun bullets, fast, furious and adrenaline-pumping. He liked it when he made her excited. “Whatever this is between us has to end,” she insisted, even as her thighs tightened around his hips. “Why now?” Tuck slid his hand down her arm, skimming the side of her breast. The nipple beneath her T-shirt puckered temptingly. His cock hardened in response. Where she’d been all hesitant to start something physical with him, in the end, she’d flown at him like she couldn’t get enough of him. He thought once would be enough with Delaney. Once had lasted all night and through not two but three orgasms. She’d come so readily, she had to have been denying herself for a very long time.   Excerpt #2  When she emerged from the shower tent, wearing her flip flops and carrying her boots and uniform, a  shadow slipped up beside her. Before she could throw her boots at him, he slipped an arm around her waist, crushing her back against his front and clamping a hand over her mouth. “Shh. It’s me, Tuck.” He dropped his hand from her mouth and turned her to face him. “Damn it, Tuck. You can’t go around scaring a girl to death all the time.” “You were so deep in thought, I’d have startled you either way. At least this way I get to hold you in my arms for a moment.” He wore a tank top, gym shorts and tennis shoes. “How’d you find me?” “I pulled a few strings.” He bent to sweep her lips with his. “Are you mad?” “I don’t want anyone getting the idea we’re fraternizing.” He eased her into the deeper shadows between a tent and a Quonset hut made of sturdy metal. “How’s this?” She raised her arms, pressed her body into his, her damp towel, T-shirt and flight suit dangling down his back. “Better.” All he had to do was part her robe and… Tuck slid his hand up the back of her thigh and beneath the edge of her robe, cupping her naked bottom. She’d gone to the shower with only her robe and what she’d been wearing, so flustered by her talk with Lindsay, she’d forgotten clean underwear and her pajamas. Now she was glad she had. Excerpt #3 His chest tightened and before long, he had a hard time regulating his breathing. Finally, he slowed, turned and ran the opposite direction. He’d jog in the heat of the day rather than watch Ringer woo his girl. Instead, he ran sprints near the volleyball nets until he couldn’t stand it a moment longer. After a while, he walked back toward his quarters, the long way. The path that would take him back by Delaney’s tent. When he realized what he was doing, he almost turned around and headed back for more sprints. Until he saw Delaney step out of the shower tent wearing clean shorts, a T-shirt and carrying her robe, towel and toiletries in hand. That robe was the clincher. Tuck’s groin tightened on sight at how beautiful she’d been wearing it last night in the moonlight. And how naked, soft, warm and wet she’d been beneath. He sped up, determined to catch her. What he’d say when he did, he didn’t know. Tuck only knew he had to say something. This deal with Ringer was eating at him and somehow it had to stop. Before he reached her, Ringer jumped out from another path, carrying a giant  teddy bear with a big red bow tied around its neck. Delaney ground to a halt and laughed. Tuck’s gut knotted at the sound. Even her laugh was sexy. Damn. She accepted the teddy bear, hugging it close and burying her nose in the soft fake fur. Where in hell had Ringer gotten a teddy bear in the desert? Wherever he’d acquired it, Delaney was enjoying it more than Tuck liked. She leaned around the bear in her arms her lips puckered, aiming for Ringer’s cheek. Ringer turned at the last second and her kiss meant for his cheek landed square on his lips. The asshole grinned, captured Delaney’s cheeks between his palms and kissed her again. “I knew you’d taste that sweet. And that’s just the beginning.” Tuck’s fists balled and he lunged forward. Before he’d taken two steps, Delaney was shaking her head. “Cory, I don’t—” Ringer pressed a finger to her lips. “Don’t decide anything. I’m not done yet. Be watching.” Ringer left before Delaney could complete her sentence. Damn. Surely she’d been about to tell him to take a hike. After kissing her like that, she should have slapped him. Unless… Tuck stopped still in his tracks. Was it possible she could fall for Ringer? After last night? Delaney stared down at the bear. “I can’t take you to the shower.” She turned toward her tent, her gaze finding Tuck standing like a lunk in the middle of the path. Her smile immediately turned downward on the corners. She marched toward the tent, passing him with barely a glance. “What are you doing here, Tuck?” “You kissed him.” “So?” She stopped in the doorway. “Why did you let him kiss  you again?” “Why does it matter to you?” She hugged the bear closer, like a shield between her and him. Tuck wanted to rip the damned bear from her arms and tear it to shreds. “You don’t love him.” “I could learn to love him. At least he cares enough about me to share his feelings.” “Is that what you want?” He gripped her arms, the fuzz of the bear’s fake fur burning against his skin. “You want me to share my feelings? I’ll share. I’m pissed as hell.” “I don’t see why?” “You know damn well why.” “I know that you aren’t into commitment. I know from your track record that you’ve pushed away every women you’ve ever let closer than a one night stand. ” “I didn’t care about them.” “And you care about me?” “Yes.” “Enough to say three simple words?” “What words?” “Oh, forget it. We have nothing left to say. I’m done.” She ducked into her tent and closed the door behind her. “We’re not done until I say we’re done,” Tuck practically shouted, making the group of soldiers in uniform passing by at that moment turn and stare. “What are you looking at?” “Man, you need to turn down the volume. Some people are still asleep,” a staff sergeant said. Tuck wanted to tell the staff sergeant to shove it, but thought better of it. He outranked him and therefore had to set the example. And he wasn’t doing a good job of it. Which made him even madder. About the Author ELLE JAMES also writing as MYLA JACKSON is an award-winning author of stories including cowboys, intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edges of their seats. With over seventy stories in a variety of sub-genres and lengths she’s published with Harlequin, Samhain, Elloras’ Cave, Kensington, Cleis Press, and Avon. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling, out snow-skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories. Learn more about Elle James at www.ellejames.com Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Newsletter Or visit her alter-ego Myla Jackson at mylajackson.com Website| Blog | Facebook| Twitter | Newsletter

Yes, tomorrow’s the official release date of Uniform Desires, but I think you already know what a great deal it is and about the huge contest the authors are running! So ’nuff said, right?

This post will be quick, because I have words to commit to the page. At the moment, I am flying through Mondo’s story in the Delta Heat series. So far, so good. He’s found the perfect girl—someone dying for his brand of kink—an unschooled subbie ready to be molded if he can teach her the joys of actually submitting heart and soul…

What is the worst first impression you’ve ever made? It could be something that happened in a job interview, a first date, anything. Have fun!

THE ADVENTURE OF DOING AUDIO BOOKS

I’ve just completed the process of creating an audio book through ACX and have to say it was a joy. I stumbled upon just the right actor/singer/musician who had what can only be described as The Voice. But he also turned out to be a great guy to work with. He was patient with me, and clearly “got” my book and the characters.

Accidental SEAL is Book 1 in the SEAL Brotherhood series, so naturally I decided to record that one first. I listened to all the talent in the ACX catalog and found several I liked, and asked to audition. But when I heard them read my excerpt, I didn’t like the outcome. Then when I played JD Hart’s audition, I got chills. I mean, here was my hero speaking back just like I had imagined he’d do.

It was a little daunting hearing a man I had never met read over my sex scenes. I played his recordings softly and then listened to them in bed with headphones, hoping no one else in the house would hear them. Okay, I was a virgin at this. It’s a very personal thing to open up your creative energies to someone you don’t know.

We went back and forth, and I highly recommend when selecting a narrator, you get someone who is not only talented and professional, but with whom you have an easy communication with. We got into a rhythm and in sync so that we were working on the book sort of at the same time, and could work by email.

One thing I learned from this was that I had a lot of characters.  Each character had to have a distinctive voice, and I know this was a challenge for him, but he did it exceptionally well. So, another thing to consider when hiring an ACX Narrator, listen to them read a chapter where there are lots of characters – more than 2 at least. Again, I got lucky. Hired someone who was actually an actor. I could have gotten stuck with someone who couldn’t do this and might have had half the book recorded by the time I figured it out.

One other thing he can do is music. I bought a licensing agreement to play a cut from one of my favorite artists: Two Steps From Hell. I listen to them while I write my SEAL stories. With names like Strength of a 1000, Everlasting, United We Stand, Dark Harbor, Dragon Rider, Ironwing, and my favorite, Everlasting Love how can you not get inspired to write about great heroes who put it all on the line? I mean, my muse wants to get nekkid with all of them.

As I’ve said so many times today, there is absolutely nothing I’d rather be doing than writing military romances. Hope you’ll join me in this thrilling journey.

Book 3 of the series, SEAL Under Covers, is out now.

That left Armando holding the door open to the old beater truck. Damn, but the guy was cool. The happenings in the strip joint hadn’t seemed to ruffle him one bit. He’d have been just as comfortable getting black, blue, and bloody. Gina wondered where he would draw the line.

Do I know where to draw the line? Well, his was personal. Hers was her job. But it was definitely fucked that her ex-boyfriend had to land himself in the middle of her professional world too.

But that’s what kind of a choice you made, Gina. Always making the wrong choices when it came to men. In a way, very much like Mia.

She watched Armando standing there, waiting for her. The other car was waiting for her as well.

Never waste an opportunity to make another bad decision. Her roommate in college used to say that every day, while at the same time managing to bed most of the football team and as many of the soccer players as she could get. Gina always waited up for her, just in case she needed a ride or got too drunk. Just like she was now trying to do for Mia. It was the reason she became a cop. Another bad decision? Well, it certainly was something that had been locked and loaded way down inside her soul after she got the call from the police that fateful night. That night when her roommate became someone’s victim and Gina had sat waiting for a call that would never come.

She wondered what would ruffle this man of steel, amazed that he could make choices so quickly as he had just now. Was he ever afraid in his job like she was in hers?

What threshold am I walking through tonight?

She leaned over to look around the SEAL, checking on Mia in the passenger seat of her own car. Of course she would be safe with the little warrior, a guy who would probably die trying to protect her, from what Mia had said. But this one standing in front of her, balancing on one hip, leaning against the door, his muscular arms worthy of any Popeye character, was dangerous.

To her heart.

“Do I have a choice?” she said to him, watching that smirky little smile and sexy eyes making fun of her while her heart did flip-flops. She’d been close to peeing on herself while she sat and watched her ex-boyfriend nearly call out the brother—the SEAL brother of the woman they were working. It had been wrong on so many levels, even the Pope couldn’t dish out enough forgiveness.

“Get in.” It was a command that made her tense, but the smile he flashed afterwards made her panties wet. Suddenly her ankles wobbled and she nearly fell, which would have been totally uncool. And damn, if he didn’t reach out and put a strong, muscled arm around to steady her. He let her go after he gave her one hurried squeeze, just tight enough for her to learn he was aroused.

Another footnote to a perfectly fucked evening. Her mission was nearly blown. Why did she feel guilty for that? They were supposed to be hanging out with the gang by the stage. Well, she couldn’t help it if Sam and the rest of the crew had decided to pull a game change on her. As she slid onto the torn leather seat of the old truck, she smiled at the recollection. It had been damned satisfying, slapping Sam and tossing the drink into his face. She’d stared right back at him when he showed his anger. And she didn’t flinch or cower this time. She was filled with pride. She’d stood up to him, finally!

But now what? On any other evening, getting into a truck with a SEAL would be a no-brainer. Nothing wrong with a night of sex with a hot guy, if that was where he was headed. She wasn’t completely sure, but she wasn’t that rusty that she couldn’t recognize a good, clean come-on. The fact that he was the brother of their party of interest and it was totally forbidden only heightened her anticipation. But decisions like that were never good ones. She had to put a stop to this somehow.

Tell that to my body. She watched him walk around the front of the vehicle and, yes, she squeezed her eyes shut and imagined him naked.

Get a grip, Gina. As much as she hated to admit it, something about the man set her insides on fire. He was all the right kinds of dangerous for her. A hero. Breathtakingly good-looking in that Latin Lover way she loved in men. Shiny black hair worn a little too long. Tanned complexion with just a hint of stubble. Body well-honed and disciplined. He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. And he loved his sister, which was the biggest heart-snag of all.

He got in the driver seat, slammed the rickety door closed and sighed.

Did all the air just get sucked out of the truck? It seemed like minutes as she watched him blankly stare through the windshield, his face illuminated by the red taillights of Mia’s vehicle, now pulling away in front of them. Those dark eyes with long lashes and succulent, full lips. She shouldn’t have stared so long, but she couldn’t help it.

He tilted his head and turned in her direction. The eyes didn’t lie. He had the fire inside that his sister had, but in all the right places, not the wrong ones, like Mia. She let him appreciate the red fuzzy dress with the scoop neckline. She didn’t care if her chest got blotchy with nerves or if her cheeks flushed. And, of course, her nipples perked right up

“So how is this going to work?” he asked. The words slid out like satin sheets.

“I’m not quite sure I know what you mean,” she heard herself say in response. She made a point to beat the waver from her voice.

“I take you to your place, or to Mia’s?”

“Mia’s.”

“Your car there?”

“No, I took a cab.”

“And so how would you get home?”

“You assume I want to go home. Maybe I’m going to stay over.”

“I don’t see a pajama bag.”

The crease at the side of his mouth dimpled and she watched the tip of his tongue running across his bottom lip. The words “pajama bag” had never sounded so sexy.

She stuck her chin out, looking back at him with heavy-lidded eyes, and whispered, “I don’t wear pajamas.”

Sharon Hamilton
Life is one fool thing after another.
Love is two fool things after each other.
Sharon’s Blog ** Sharon’s Website ** Facebook**Twitter

WHY I LOVE REVIEWS

I learned to read before I went to kindergarten and have always loved books. When I began to write, I knew how to create a memorable story because I had read so many. Every book provides a lesson of its own.

Book clubs are great places to make friends and read books you might not have chosen on your own. I belong to three book clubs and each has it own personality and focus. One group loves mysteries and sci/fi. Another reads women’s fiction, and the third has potluck dinners and selects a lot of nonfiction. If you have never belonged to a book club, you might want to join one or form one with your friends. You’ll be surprised at the different reactions to books. Some people will love a book and call it a favorite while others find it too tedious to finish.

This month, one book club read THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green. It’s been on the bestseller list for more than a year. It’s told by 16-year-old Hazel Grace who meets 17-year-old Augustus at a cancer support group. It’s a poignant story about life, love and death, important issues at every age. There are sure to be tears when you read it, but it’s also one of the best books I’ve read this year, or ever.

Most of the book club also loved the book, but one woman who is a hospital lab technician said some of the hospital details weren’t accurate, and that spoiled the book for her. We accept everyone’s opinion without asking them to justify it, but she made me wonder what the reviews were for the book on Amazon.

As of today, there are 5,795 reviews posted with the majority being 5 stars. Those who didn’t love the book often thought the teens were not realistic, and yet there were 5 star reviews written by teens. Obviously, not everyone loves the same thing. I once dated a man who ate only vanilla ice cream. Vanilla! When there are so many delicious flavors to try, why would anyone stick with vanilla? We didn’t argue over it, however, because there is no point in arguing over tastes, but I digress.

Many authors are so sensitive they cannot bear to read a poor review of their work. Should I receive one, I study it to learn why the reader didn’t enjoy the story. Many people leave lengthy, detailed reviews to categorize every aspect they found objectionable. Some comments are simply due to taste. Others are helpful if they point out something I should have caught, or could improve in later books. Perhaps I didn’t make motivations clear enough, or show why the heroine’s attitude toward the hero changed over time. Whatever the problem was, I give it a lot of thought and hope each of my books is better than the last. Thank you to all of you who take the time to write thoughtful reviews.

Do you buy books based on the reviews? Or will you buy a favorite author’s new book even if the reviews aren’t entirely positive? What if a friend recommends a book, but it has very few positive reviews? Do you write reviews?

My latest book, FIERCE PASSION is a November 5, 2013 release from Samhain Publishing. It’s the story of Ana Santilan, an haute couture model who has lost the great love of her life, a famed matador. She finds a new love, who comes with serious complications, and a stalker who wants her all to himself. With both passion and danger, it follows the Aragon family introduced in FIERCE LOVE, and FIERCE PRIDE.

I will be happy to give an ebook copy to someone who comments, and I hope you’ll want to write a review of FIERCE PASSION.