Heather Long

Sunday Sneak Peek: What Part of Marine Don't You Understand?

2013-05-19T08:33:00.001-05:00

Available for Pre-Order at All Romance eBooks

“We should probably let you compose—without distraction.” He didn’t sound like he wanted to go.

“No, you’re exactly the kind of distraction I need.” Did she dare tell him? Oh, what the hell. He deserved to know. “You inspire me.”

Surprise rippled across his face. “I do?”

“Oh yeah. I even wrote a song about you last night….”

Wariness creased his brow. “Oh?”

Grinning, she started playing. If only performing in front of the world was as easy as singing for Matt. By the second refrain, he relaxed and by the last he laughed. The song detailed their kiss and exposed her vulnerability, her growing affection for him laid bare in every note. When the song ended, she held her breath and waited.

Matt leaned forward, rested a hand atop hers and brushed her mouth with the lightest, sweetest, and most heart-wrenching kiss. “Thank you.”

Her pulse jackrabbited. “You’re welcome.”

The bubble of tension wrapped around them burst with his slow grin. “No, I mean it. Thank you.”

“I didn’t do anything—I completely blame you for the song. You knocked on the door.”

He chuckled. “You opened it.”

“But you kissed me….”

Slanting his mouth across hers, he silenced any further words. He brushed his thumb across her knuckles, sending tingles racing across her nerves until she hummed like a guitar strung too tight. Every time she thought the kiss would end, he tilted his head to the other side and darted his tongue in and out, teasing her.

Nose to nose, he finally let her come up for air. “You kissed me back.”

“Yeah.” She laughed. “You kissed me again.”

“I did.” He nodded, brushing their noses together, whispering another kiss on her cheek and again to the corner of her eye. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Her laughter rode on a shuddering breath. “No, not at all.”

Vampire Diaries Post Mortem: Graduation

2013-05-17T09:06:00.000-05:00

It’s been an interesting—and at times enormously frustrating season. I do not think season four of Vampire Diaries will go down as my favorite, from the uneven storytelling to the overabundance of some characters at the expense of others to the beating of some storylines like a dead horse, there were moments of great cheer and moments of throat clutching disappointment, and when I honestly felt some of my passion for this show wane, my bafflement at the choices seemingly being made often left me with a feeling of “really?” rather than “OMG” at the end of every episode.

Thankfully, with the airing of the backdoor pilot for The Originals (and that’s a story for another day) – the last three episodes felt like we actually got back on track with the series focus where we should have been all along and last night’s finale was the proverbial toss of the hat into the air.

Damon & Elena

Yes, I am absolutely starting with my favorite couple. I have been a fan of Damon since he swaggered into Mystic Falls at the end of the pilot, greeting his brother and giving him that wild, wicked grin. But more than that, from the first time Damon and Elena interacted the air between them was electric. At the end of season three, Elena told Damon she was choosing Stefan—but I never thought it was because she didn’t love Damon, I always believed it was because she was scared of what loving Damon meant.

He will never be easy and loving him won’t be easy. Elena’s journey as a vampire has been fraught with one cluster f*ck after another. She couldn’t drink animal blood, she couldn’t drink bagged blood, she could only take it from humans, oh and let’s not forget Connor’s joyful arrival and reign of terror that led Elena to snapping Connor’s neck. Let’s not forget Stefan making everything about Elena’s transition about him or that when she finally admitted that he looked at her like she was broken and needing to be fixed…but there was Damon, always Damon who loved Elena for who she was—human or vamp, perfect or flawed—he loved her.

We got thirty seconds of Delena finally being together, but their lovemaking was interrupted by Caroline’s ranting that Elena was sire-bonded to Damon so immediately casting doubt on how her feelings could be real, and despite all the clues offered:

Sire bonds only happened when the person has REAL feelings for the one turning them

That she loved him before, but was too scared to admit it

That she wanted to be with him, and she didn’t care about the sire bond

No one was certain it was true as long as the bond existed and then Jeremy died and Elena came apart at the seams. Damon told her to turn it off because he couldn’t take her pain and she’s already been dancing on the edge of suicide and thus began another painful set of episodes as Elena without her humanity is very Katherine-esque which makes sense, they are after all Shadow Selves.

Never a fan of torture, I have to admit the scene where the guys have to torture Elena to get her humanity back on was brutal for all of them, but Damon wouldn’t relent and he wanted HIS girl back. By the end of the episode, she was and then we rolled into Bonnie letting the ghosts out.

Every interaction drove Damon and Elena closer to a resolution, but he kept avoiding the conversation and I know he dreaded her telling him that she was going back to Stefan (trust me, I was dreading it right along with him). Still, from my perspective, they showed us her love for him repeatedly even if he couldn’t see it and the others argued against it.

The Moment of Truth

I know some will say it’s the “I’m not sorry” speech when the moment of truth finally occurred, but it actually happened before that. The moment Elena realized Damon had been shot with a bullet laced in Werewolf venom. He was dying and they had the cure. She wanted him to take it and Damon stared at her “What happened to saving the world? And everyone in it?” He snarked, after all, he got the damn cure for her and she didn’t want it, not when it would cost so many others their lives. But missing the point entirely, he stormed out with Vaughn after giving him the cure to take him to Silas—you see the point he missed was that Elena chose Damon’s life over the rest of the world.

Damon didn’t give a damn about anyone but Elena and in that moment, Elena proved she didn’t care about anyone but him. She loves him. I was happy, but for the rest of you came this scene:

And yes, it was damn squee-worthy!

Rest in Peace Bonnie Bennett

Confession time: Bonnie used to be one of my favorite characters, but over the last couple of years she became virtually unrecognizable. I hated the fact that everyone blamed Elena for Bonnie’s misfortunes or that Bonnie lost so much because of Elena. Only in one instance did I see Bonnie “forced” to do anything because of Elena and at the same time, it was almost always her choice. Over the course of the series, Bonnie’s magic became the Deus Ex Bonnie of the series, have a sticky plot point? Let Bonnie witchy our way out of it. They showed her as fickle and flighty, her brief romance for Jeremy crashed and burned because she couldn’t accept he still had feelings for his dead girlfriends and then we came to this season and the whole Shane/Silas storyline.

Gag.

I’m sorry, Bonnie’s death was a fistpump moment for me because never was a truer story of power corrupting than what we saw her do. Time and again she did these spells even when her Grams told her ‘don’t—it’s a bad idea’ and time again she didn’t listen, she wanted Jeremy back in the land of the living—she willed it so and nature slapped her down by making her trade places. She gave Jeremy back his life and took her own in the process.

At least it gave her death meaning and she had time to come to terms with it. The scene where she trapped Kol was awesome, where she played along with graduation, where she got to say goodbye to her friends and when she finally said goodbye to Jeremy.

I felt for Jere in that moment, because he’d made his peace. He got to say goodbye to his sister and save her one last time, but now he’s alive and Bonnie isn’t. Beautiful symmetry and almost enough to make me forgive the uneven pacing of Bonnie’s story.

But I don’t think she’s gone for good. After all, Jeremy can see ghosts and he can look through the veil and see Bonnie.

Yes Katherine, There is Justice

Katherine’s been a thorn in many a side for over five centuries. She’s the doppleganger who got away and left a hell of a body count in her wake. She turned Elijah and Klaus on each other, she turned Damon and Stefan on each other and cost them their lives and humanity. She’s fought, clawed, and scraped her way through the centuries and she killed Jeremy Gilbert and created her worst enemy in Elena. But still she hated that Elena kept getting everything Katherine wanted, and when Bonnie failed to give her the immortality spell, Katherine had enough.

She planned to kill Elena once and for all and it might have worked, except Elena still had the cure courtesy of Stefan turning it down and Elena shoved it down Katherine’s throat.

Now the vixen can have Elena’s life—her human, mortal life. It’s an ironic sort of justice and I know we’re not done with Katherine, she’s too much of a survivor and it’s interesting to note, I don’t think Silas is done with Katherine either.

“…I intend to be your last…”

I don’t know if the writers got it together where Klaus was concerned, but the character is finally starting to seem like the man he should be. I’ve made no secret of my disdain for Klaus’ mercurial whining, this is the biggest bad in town, but he whines like a little girl when he doesn’t get his way. It’s annoying. His interest in Caroline and her slowly beginning to see a spark of something with him has been a great parallel to the early Damon/Elena interactions, but it seems he took his heart to heart with Damon seriously.

Stop being a douche. If you’re going to do bad things, do it with a purpose.

Klaus arrives in time to save the gang from the 12 angry witches, decapitating one with a graduation cap (awesome arrival) along with the snarky delivery of his line. He then hands over his blood to cure Damon of the werewolf bite (off camera, but he did it) and later Caroline thanks him (remember she was calling him as she lined up for graduation ordering him to get his ass there and prove he cared and save Damon).

Caroline was surprised that he got there so fast, but he’d already been on his way, he received her graduation announcement (very passive aggressive of you there Caroline) and he teased her about expecting cash or a ‘mini fridge’ as she retorted. But he gave her something else.

Tyler’s freedom.

Tyler was free to return to Mystic Falls because “he’s your first love, but I intend to be your last, no matter how long it takes.”

Okay, that swoon-thud was all the Klaroline fans hitting the floor. Klaus is off to the Originals next year (picked up by the CW and airing on Tuesdays at 7 in the fall) with his brother Elijah (YAY) and Rebekah (Yay), but the door is wide open for crossovers and romantic potential.

So well done, it only took them three years to make me like the character and it’s partially because they remembered why he was supposed to be a bad ass and made him a douche with a purpose.

Ghostly Encounters

Having Alaric back was amazing. From the moment he reunited with Damon in the previous episode to taking Connor out at the Grill because that’s “his” bar to saving Damon from Vaughn—I MISS Alaric. He’s Damon’s best friend and his disappearance as Bonnie closed the veil was poignant. But he was there for his buddy and got to tell him “You got the girl.” So at least we know Rick approves and he’s hoping the two of them will be okay. It was good to see Lexxie tell Stefan that Elena may have been the one, but she isn’t the only one. He will find love again and her vanishing as the veil closed was bittersweet, too.

As for the other ghosts – yeah, I was good with all the Hunters going bye bye, I didn’t like Connor the first time and Alexander wanted his destiny oh well. Interestingly enough, Rebekah and Matt got the best benefit from that and Rebekah proved how far she’d come when she saved Matt at the end. I was proud of him for not letting her in Tyler’s house and even more so when he took the chance to say “show me the world.” I hope they have a rocking good time! Matt really did make it, he made it out of high school alive and human.

Doppleganger Hijinks

So, Silas’ true face is Stefan. The creation of the immortality spell meant nature needed balance and created a doppelganger. So does that mean that Katherine and Elena are doppelgangers of Silas’ one true love? I’ve been speculating that from the beginning. Immortality meant a shadow self that could die.

I had my bets that Silas’ real face would be Damon and I have to wonder if somewhere out there, there is indeed a Damon and Elena “original” couple that’s together. Wouldn’t it be ironic if the whole Queszia smoke screen was another bait and switch? Like the Sun and the Moon Curse?

After all, doesn’t it always come down to the love of a woman? Two brothers in love with the same woman and Silas was the one who lost out on the girl. Or was it that she couldn’t choose between them and refused and because Elena finally did, definitively, it broke something?

Either way, Stefan is locked in a safe and at the bottom of the Falls. Silas will now take over Stefan’s life—that will make next season interesting.

So kudos to the writers and everyone else, I’m definitely back in next season and it should be a wicked fun ride! What did you think? Sound off below.

Point of Order: If Silas created the immortality spell and it demands a doppleganger - where are the dopples of the Original Family?

Sinful Sirens Blog Hop: Summer Reading, Happens So Fast!

2013-05-15T05:47:00.001-05:00

Summer is here and I have a sunburn to prove it! After the completely bizarre bipolar winter, I am completely looking forward to crashing poolside to read and catch up on some hot summer releases. Books that I can't wait to get my hands on this summer include Melissa Schroeder's The Santinis and Nalini Singh's Heart of Obsidian.

Make Summer Reading Hotter

Get Fevered and head to the Old West with Fevered Hearts!

A Fistful of Dreams

Fevered Hearts #4

All Romance eBooks | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

When the spirit fever struck a town, a village or an outpost, it left few if any survivors. The white man blamed the Indian saying they used their mojo on them. The Indians blamed the white man for angering the spirits. The survivors knew it didn’t matter. The Fevered were forever changed.

Rebuilding Dorado is only the first challenge…

Surviving a vicious attack by their enemies and an outbreak of the Fever has left Dorado in ruins and the Flying K under siege, now all their resources are devoted to rebuilding their town and protecting the newborn Fevered in their midst. Buck Morning Star and his siblings divide their time between training their new family members and avoiding the threat of detection the arrival of soldiers constructing a new fort pose, but the spirit walker's dreams are haunted by Delilah. But when Jason Kane threatens to come between them, Buck's obsession may drive him to madness.

Her secrets could destroy them all…

Rescued from a whore house in Fort Courage, Delilah Rinaldi never expected to find a sanctuary populated by Fevered and their allies. Silent since her arrival at the ranch, she longs to believe in Buck and the passionate dreams they share. But she keeps dangerous knowledge of the enemy hunting them all close to her heart—information Jason may reveal and cost her the only home and man she loves.

Primitive, primal and provocative, their struggle is intensely personal…

Close contact arouses a soul-stirring passion and love. But it may not be enough to sustain a relationship forbidden by their power and the tempest it can unleash.

His dream. Her words. Their destiny.

Read an excerpt

Shake Up Your Summer

Head over to Northern Virginia with Hedge Witch Chance Monroe in a wild new adventure.

All Romance eBooks | Amazon

Life should be getting back to normal…

Chance survived a serial killer returning from the grave and said yes to a date with her ex-lover Jack. But survivor’s guilt eats away at her and her world turns upside down when earthquakes begin to rattle the landscape and devastate the region she calls home.

Madness becomes her…

Terrified that she is the source of earthquakes devastating the land, she tries to shut down her connection to the Earth. But when enemies aware of how to shatter her bond to the earth kidnap her, Chance faces her most desperate hour,

When the earth shakes, the witch bleeds…

Staring into the face of madness, she must learn to trust her allies or risk losing everything—and everyone she loves.

Read an excerpt.

Laughter, Lust and Las Vegas

Maybe Las Vegas is more your glass of wine, where what happens in Vegas doesn't always want to stay there!

Fifty years ago, Jeannie Williams made her way to Las Vegas seeking fame and fortune. Instead, she lost her soul and wound up performing nightly shows at the Arcana Royale. Every day, she straps on her feathers, her glitter, her stilettos, and she dances. Every day, it’s the same.

Until the day he walks in.

For six centuries, Malcolm Reynolds has been the go-to guy for anything his family needs: warrior, diplomat, wrangler, researcher, and now an attorney. He enters the Arcana Royale Casino, intent on negotiating the release of his cousin’s bad debt, but one look at the golden-skinned showgirl ignites a fire of need that he’s never experienced. When the fantasy come true sits at his table, words he never expected to hear come out of her lush mouth: “I need your help.”

Now he’s in for the toughest battle of his life, because the Overseers own both his cousin’s debt and her soul. And he’s not planning on leaving the Royale without either one.

This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release.

Warning: Contains high-stakes games, sexy showgirls, and a powerful showdown between a vampire that can’t lose and the House that never does. Spells, slots, sirens and sex, oh my!

Read an Excerpt.

Hot Military Men

Beginning May 24th! We welcome the men of summer with What Part of Marine Don't You Understand, A Marine Affair and much much more.

Keep up with the Marines!

So yeah, we've got a little something for everyone! What's hot on your summer reading list this year? Lots of blogs, lots of hops, lots of books, lots of chances! Let's party!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Writers Gone Wild: Or What Do We Talk About on a Friday Night?

2013-05-10T20:34:00.002-05:00

8:09pm

Heather Long

Hart of Dixie got renewed

Yes, I am VERY happy right now
8:09pm

Virginia Nelson

I heard VD got renewed...and Duck Dynasty.

Good!
8:09pm

Heather Long

Yeah, VD was picked up in February

So was Arrow
8:09pm

Virginia Nelson

You deserve it after a crap week
8:09pm

Heather Long

OMG and seriously what a week

Also, the first commercial look at Agents of SHIELD will air during the OUAT finale

I am super excited for the finale now
8:10pm

Virginia Nelson

OH COOL!!

Me too.

I'm hoping they salvage it...like VD did. And if they don't, at least I get a good commercial.
8:10pm

Heather Long

Oh and I also rewatched the preview for TVD next week
8:10pm

Virginia Nelson

Figure out any spoilers based on it?
8:10pm

Heather Long

There's a line where they said Ketzia will send every hunter who has died in the last 1000 years through if you do not give us the cure

Yeah, that's not a party of fun
8:11pm

Virginia Nelson

Wow...that's a lot of hunters.
8:11pm

Heather Long

Yeah and they all "hate" Vamps

Not a happy place

Damon and Elena should vacation in Storybrooke

*snickers*
8:12pm

Virginia Nelson

Nope. Damon is going to have a panic attack trying to protect his doppleganger. LOL
Yeah, Storybrooke has been way safer than Mystic Falls lately.

Nothing. Happens. There.
I mean, the occasional tortured witch...but otherwise, not action packed.
8:12pm

Heather Long

That and Damon would hae already ripped out Greg and Tamara's hearts

He and Regina could flirt

*bwahahaha*
8:13pm

Virginia Nelson

Oh, man, that's a mashup I'd tune in for.

In Emma Vs. Elena...I gotta say, my money would be on Emma. Unless Damon and Bae got in on it...
8:13pm

Heather Long

And then he'd look at her and go "Why the fuck are you so wound up about that uptight little priss Mary-Margaret?"

Emma and Elena would get along
8:13pm

Virginia Nelson

True. The wholesome would ooze around them in globs
8:14pm

Heather Long

They're both "orphans" - although I could see them doing shots over who's had it worse...

Bae and Damon would separate them ASAP
8:14pm

Virginia Nelson

They wouldn't trust each other--Bae and Damon.

No bromance there.
8:14pm

Heather Long

No. But Damon would probably be drinking buddies with Hook
8:14pm

Virginia Nelson

Prince and Damon might bond...but Damon would call him a pussy.

Oh yeah.
8:14pm

Heather Long

OMG yeah

And Elena would take one look at Henry and tell Damon "I want one"

And Damon could ask Regina where she got hers

*dies laughing*
8:15pm

Virginia Nelson

Damon could solve all of the problems in Storybrooke in ONE episode.
8:15pm

Heather Long

No shit

Elena could make a deal with Rumple to deal with Klaus

And then invite Klaus to town
8:15pm

Virginia Nelson

I would love to see Gold's response to Damon.
8:15pm

Heather Long

The Dark One would LOVE Damon

And then Damon would go - daggers? Are kidding me?
8:16pm

Virginia Nelson

Damon, "Magic beans and a pretty little magic sword? Really? What are you guys on? Is it in the water?"
Elena, "I think they're serious. We should help them."
Damon, "Help them? I vote we eat them."
8:16pm

Heather Long

*snicker*

Elena: "But what could it hurt?"

Damon: "You. It could hurt you. And me. Definitely me."

Elena: *sighs* "It's the right thing to do, Damon."

Damon: "I like you so much better without your humanity."

Elena: "Liar."

Damon. "Yeah."

And finally, Damon will sigh. "Fine. But we do it my way."
8:18pm

Virginia Nelson

Prince, "I have a sword and I will protect Snow."
Snow, "Back down, Charming. I got this. So, you guys drink blood? My mom was the Queen of Hearts. Bring it."
8:19pm

Heather Long

Damon: "I don't drink anything with that much saccharine in it."
8:20pm

Virginia Nelson

Emma, "Mom, they're not attacking us. They want us to help them defeat a great evil...er, original vampire, you said?"
Elena, "Yes, Klaus is an original."
Emma, "Yeah, that. What's so hard to believe? You guys are from fairytales, they're vampires. All of this makes perfect sense." *brow arched*
Snow, "You're taking this better than I expected."
Emma, "Expect the unexpected...right? Can you guys help me find my boyfriend? He fell into another world, maybe yours."
Elena, "You said he was the father of your son?"
8:21pm

Virginia Nelson

Henry, "Yes, me."
Emma, "He was hurt. We have to find him quickly."
Damon, "A little blood and we can fix baby daddy right up. So, can you kill a vampire?"
Emma, "I shot a dragon. How bad can a little bloodsucker be?"
Elena, "You have noooo idea."
8:22pm

Heather Long

lol

We are having WAY too much fun with this
8:22pm

Virginia Nelson

Dood, we could write some rockin fanfic.
8:22pm

Heather Long

No shit

And after they get the hell out of Storybrooke, they can take a break in Haven

Get a drink at Duke's

Meet Audrey
8:22pm

Virginia Nelson

You take the TVD folks, I got Storybrooke...we'll be rich!! bwahahaha

Oh, man...that would be cool. And then run into Dr. Who trying to fix the Tardis in Warehouse 13...
8:23pm

Heather Long

*snicker*

The Doctor would offer Elena a chance to be a companion

I'm thinking he'd offer Damon a trip to Torchwood

Jack would definitely not mine picking up Damon

And Elena

At the same time

It could be Damon and Elena's really excellent road trip
8:24pm

Virginia Nelson

True. But they end up flying away with Captain Mal on the Firefly so it doesn't work out.

There's a story for ya...Roadtrip through the Universe. LOL
8:25pm

Heather Long

I totally want to cut and paste this whole conversation to my blog
8:26pm

Virginia Nelson

I would be so honored.

Guest Author Virginia Nelson

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much for having me on the blog today, Heather!

I’m super excited to share my new release, Sugar On Top. The first book in my Who Wants to Marry a Billionaire? Series, this story introduces us to Chandler and Lydia. Lydia is full of snark and sass and Chandler is ready and willing to give as good as he gets. This couple was rooted in a theme that seems to permeate my work lately—guys who come from small town roots and money and power doesn’t change those basic characteristics. To celebrate the release, I’m running a giveaway on my blog for an eye catching Tree of Life necklace. You can check out the details and the many ways to enter here.

Sugar On Top

Virginia Nelson

Available NOW!!

MuseItUp | Amazon | All Romance Ebooks | B&N

Blurb:

Some people have got to get real…

Lydia Tompkins isn’t looking for love. She’s annoyed. A dating site devoted to matching up gold diggers with men willing to pay for their time? Thinking she can add a dash of reality to their pipe dreams of Stepford wives, she uploads her picture and a piece of her mind and never expects any serious responses.

Some people even want to…

Chandler Hawk remembers a time before the wealth. Finding the most appalling dating site he’s ever heard of while surfing the net, he clicks on it and finds the most real woman he’s seen in a long time.

The sugar daddy meets a woman who doesn’t need a man to take care of her and sparks fly. Will they find a happily ever after, with Sugar on Top?

Blog tour coming soon!!

About the Author: Virginia Nelson spends her days chasing three very active kids around. When she is not doing this, or plotting taking over the world, she likes to write, play in the mud, drive far too fast and scream at inanimate objects. She can often be found listening to music that is far too loud and typing her next fantastic tale of blood, sex and random acts of ineptitude. Romance, in Ms. Nelson’s opinion, is not about riding off into the sunset on the back of a horse with the knight in shining armor— it is about riding the dragon. If the knight can keep up… well, that is love. Find me online virg-nelson.com

Release Day! Plan Witch From Out of Town

2013-05-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

PLAN WITCH FROM OUT OF TOWN

I am thrilled to announce the release day is here for Plan Witch from Out of Town. This book originally released in 2011 with the title Seismic Evil courtesy of Sapphire Blue Publishing. Chance remains one of my all time favorite characters. When the earthquake hit the East Coast in 2012, I actually had readers send me notes that Chance wasn't doing her job--and I can't tell you how that cracked me up at the time.

I am delighted to return you to the world introduced in Earth Witches Aren't Easy. Chance is tough, independent, and filled with snark. She has new challenges both in love and magic. Plan Witch from Out of Town will challenge Chance's sense of self and her sanity. An urban fantasy, this is a return to one of my favorite genres. Check it out! Book three in the Chance Monroe series releases in October.

Purchase Now:

All Romance eBooks | Amazon

Life should be getting back to normal…

Chance survived a serial killer returning from the grave and said yes to a date with her ex-lover Jack. But survivor’s guilt eats away at her and her world turns upside down when earthquakes begin to rattle the landscape and devastate the region she calls home.
Madness becomes her…

Terrified that she is the source of earthquakes devastating the land, she tries to shut down her connection to the Earth. But when enemies aware of how to shatter her bond to the earth kidnap her, Chance faces her most desperate hour,

When the earth shakes, the witch bleeds…

Staring into the face of madness, she must learn to trust her allies or risk losing everything—and everyone she loves.

Excerpt

I liked three a.m.

I saw it often enough from first planting to final harvest when the land needed me.

I liked three a.m.

I sensed it often where I traveled, when the balance must be restored.

I liked three a.m.

Except when the cat's claws stabbed into my late autumn's lazy sleep, kneading frantically into my leg. His normally throaty purr, a low, moaning cry. An irritation to an otherwise pleasant, passing acquaintance with three a.m.

I shifted on my oversized four-poster bed, burrowing into the thick, blue jersey cotton sheets and heavy pile of hand-stitched quilts. Romeo protested being disturbed, but the long, lean black cat settled back against my hip.

There, all made up.

I fluffed my pillow and settled onto its softness. Drifts of sleep carried me until the first jolt hit. I bolted up. My gaze darted around the room, eyes struggling to focus in the dark. My stomach lurched, threatening to bring dinner up as disorientation struggled with vertigo.

I’m a Hedge Witch, dedicated to the protection and preservation of the earth. Maintaining nature's balance and bounty is my legacy. The land provides my family’s bounty, but its balance is our responsibility. A lineage of Hedge Witches assured my connection, and my ancestors intermarrying with the people of this land assured the charge.

Did the earth shake?

Seconds or maybe minutes later, a second jolt flung me out of bed with hip-bruising force. The land screamed for me. Screamed for help. Romeo squawked and vanished in a puff of black hair.

Crap! That wasn’t my imagination!

Skin vibrating like two bells struck together, I fumbled to engage my mental and spiritual coupling with the land as a third jolt shuddered through the two hundred-year-old plantation house. The whistling wind whipped against the second-story windows, rattling them in their frames. Tremors rolled the landscape, physically and spiritually. Quaking, the earth shivered under the foundation jostling my stomach, muscles cramping in sympathetic response. The old elm floorboards creaked. The bucking land echoed in my brain, my blood and my bones.

Pools of heat raced through my skull as the pressure of a dozen small fissures deep within the earth swelled, pulling at me, demanding. My body echoed the earth’s pain-choked plea for release. Without another channel for the pressure to escape, the mass would gridlock, swell and explode.

My chest constricted under the crushing force of the hot spots. Sweat collided with tears and dripped off the tip of my nose. The earth’s kinetic energy pressed to the bursting point. My heart shuddered.

Must release the pain.

Must release the power.

Must release the pressure.
I struggled against the inexorable force, nudging at the edge of a swollen channel. In Reston, a creek-bed rumbled, thrusting a rock upstream. In Washington D.C., a sinkhole opened draining off the heat. In Manassas, a spout of earth exploded, shooting fifteen feet into the sky.

Muscles cramped, joints froze, organs pounded. I was overwhelmed with icy hot drips trickling away the force of the quakes. Soaking the land with tremors of pent-up emotion.

Too slow. The rivulets clogged with urgency, eyes burning, tears falling, fists clenching. My will collided against the blocked channel of pressure.

Pressing. Pushing. Pulsing.

Boulders cracked and crumbled. The pressure whistled out, wailing and reverberating with wanton force, buckling the Wilson Bridge that connected Alexandria, Virginia to Oxon Hill Maryland. The steel cable snapped.

The Earth wheezed a sigh and another jolt rocked the region.

Time fell away.

When a new fissure screamed for release, I lanced the boil of relentless tension, draining it away to new channels. Energy-swollen rivers spilled into the rocky hills, forests, creeks, the tributaries and the wetlands, leaving debris strewn in the wake of its force…surface damage, containable, controllable, correctible.

Two hours later, I drooped against the side of the bed, too spent to pull myself off the floor into its haven. Drained. Fragile. Spent.

Romeo returned from his vanishing act and rubbed his head against my arm. I rolled to the side, using the bed for support. “A little more warning next time, okay Romeo?” A smile was too much effort for my face.

He purred and leapt on the bed.

Mocking me.

The cat was pushing ten years old. While not extremely old by cat standards, he was no spring kitten. I only hope I am that agile when I stretch the rubber band around middle age.

I groaned. The clock read five-thirty, now. Three a.m. might be a pleasant repose, but five-thirty made me downright cranky.

Betty!
Crap! Get up. Get up. Get up.
Go check on Betty!
My bruised hip complained as I grabbed a fistful of quilt and hauled myself up. Wobbling, I pulled on some Eeyore pajamas and stumbled in the half-light toward the door.

The knock sounded three heartbeats before I got to the door.

“Are you all right, Betty?” I yanked open the door. Betty Sullivan, the elderly woman, an old family friend, served as both my landlady and surrogate grandmother. She was a stout, seventy-five year old with blue-gray hair. This morning it was set in sponge rollers. She wore a familiar soft blue caftan. That she was knocking on my door rather than the other way around spoke volumes. Guilt slunk through me.

“I’m fine. I was asleep when it started and then just stayed put.” She gazed at me, curiosity and concern wrinkling her cheeks. “Are you all right Chance? That was an awful long time for the tremors to continue. I kept thinking they would stop or you would come down. You look terrible.”

I can only imagine how wild I looked, sweaty, exhausted, and my brown hair sticking up in places. My typically blue-grey eyes burned and were probably smudged with shadows, announcing that beauty sleep was a necessity in my world. My bones throbbed. Sore, aching and bruised from nature's punishment.

“I think so.” The words lacked power. They did not offer comfort. They did not offer conviction. They did not offer confidence. I caught Betty's hand, squeezing it, ignoring the throbbing in my hand and tried to inject emotions I didn't have the energy to feel. “It’s been a long time since tremors that strong shook this area—a very long time in fact.”

“But one this bad, Chance? I don’t remember any this fierce in your lifetime.” Betty’s concern wrapped around me like a warm shawl.

“No, but I usually wake up while they are still tremors and can offset the force. Having it toss me out of bed was pretty unexpected. It’s okay now. I’ll be fine.” The mild understatement wasn’t exactly a lie, but I didn’t want Betty worrying either.

“Are you sure?” She still didn't look convinced.

I straightened, sifting through the dross of my depleted reserves and smiled. “I'm positive. A shower and some coffee and I'll be as right as the garden after a spring rain.”

“Hmm, maybe you should go back to bed. For a little a while at least.” The tension in her tone tugged at my heart.

“You know, that's not a bad idea, but I'm up. You're up. Let's have coffee and maybe a cinnamon roll or three?” Baking was the panacea of all things topsy-turvy in the world. In Betty's house, baking and extra pounds often followed calamity and crisis.

“All right. Take your shower. Then we can watch the news to find out what they are saying. I am sure those geologists will have something to say.” I loved the emphasis that Betty gave to those geologists. She’d known my grandmother and me for so long she didn’t believe the scientists could possibly know more than we did.

I laughed. In comforting me, Betty would be comforted. Asking for the cinnamon rolls was the right call.

Despite how spry Betty appeared, I lingered at the door until she’d made the last step. Every muscle in my body hurt. The wood floor seemed to slap at the bottoms of my feet despite my sliding shuffle toward the bathroom, exhaustion trailing my steps. The last thing I wanted was cinnamon rolls, conversation, or CNN, but if I didn't go downstairs, Betty would worry more.

No rest for the heroic—or Hedge Witches, for that matter.

Romeo paused mid-preen to give me an owlish look from the center of the bed.

“I’m not going to disturb you. I don’t get to take a long leisurely nap.” I wrinkled my nose at him.

He considered me for a moment before returning to his personal grooming.

Dismissed by the cat.

I turned on the water in the shower and sagged against the closed bathroom door, exhaustion leaving my muscles loose and rubbery. I focused my attention on the familiar clanks and complaints of the pipes rather than my wound-too-tight-to-tick insides. It would take exactly two-point-four minutes before the freezing cold well water heated up to something tolerable to human flesh.

I shoved away from the door, stumbled the half step to the sink. I went through the motions of brushing my teeth, washing my face, brushing my hair. Mechanical, methodical, mundane it helped me get a grip on the worms of worry niggling their way through my brain. I dropped the pajamas on the floor and slid under the heated water, hissing as it pounded against my flesh.

Everything was too sensitive. Despite what I’d said to Betty, I was in worse shape than I’d imagined. Unfortunately¾or maybe fortunately, considering the water stung like nettles drawn across my skin¾my water heater wasn’t up for more than fifteen to twenty minutes of shower time.

The shower helped, despite the aches. I settled for loose sweatpants and an oversized shirt, the weight of which sat heavy on my throbbing bones. I skipped shoes and makeup, unwilling to inflict more pain than necessary. Romeo darted ahead of me to the door.

I let him out and he took the stairs in three leaps.

Yeah, what I wouldn’t give to be that agile. I followed behind at painfully sedate pace, one step at a time, hand firm on the railing.

In Betty’s living room, an on-scene reporter¾one I vaguely recognized from a major network¾reviewed the damage reports coming in related to the earthquake. Morning stubble and tie askew, he probably wasn’t ready to be up this early, either. I paused, feigning interest so I could take a break.

“The U.S. Geological Survey Hazards Commission and FEMA are reporting that the earthquake, felt throughout the region in the pre-dawn hours this morning, measured five-point-two on the Richter scale. Damage in the District appears to be limited to a few areas around the Capitol Mall…” The camera panned from the heavy-lidded reporter to show cracks in the National World War II Memorial fountain. Water trickled from the cracks. Heavy benches lay strewn on their sides, toppled as though made of plastic rather than cement.

“Sinkholes have closed intersections near K and Seventeenth and Constitution at Fourteenth. Engineers are inspecting the White House and other landmarks. We expect to have more information on these later. Meanwhile, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge remains closed until further notice.”

The scene segued to the Channel Four air-cam bobbing from a helicopter over the bridge. Snapped cables dropped like a weeping willow branches toward the water below.

Well, that can’t be good.

Cowboys & Lawmen Blog Hop: My Favorite Native Americans

2013-05-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Cowboys and Lawmen Blog Hop!

Join nearly 50 authors as we share why we love Cowboys and Lawmen. Cowboys are known as bad-boys, but what happens when the bad-boy is also the law in town? What is it about these contradictions that make small town sheriffs, Texas Rangers and ex-outlaws-turned-lawmen so irresistible? Whether you write or love to read about the Wild West or modern day Montana, what do you love most about lawmen who are also cowboys? And what makes them so gosh-darn sexy?

Fevered Hearts
In my most recent release, Buck Morning Star took the lead role, Buck is the full-blooded son of the shaman Quanto who raised many of the Fevered children in the series. Gifted with the ability to walk in dreams, Buck brings a very unique perspective to the table, one of peacemaker and mediator and in some ways, storyteller. The series kicked off with Marshal of Hel Dorado and A Fistful of Dreams is the fourth in the Fevered Hearts series.

A Fistful of Dreams

Fascination

Years ago, when I was a journalism student, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting an Oglala Sioux storyteller and he was magical. From the moment he began talking, I was utterly captivated. I couldn't get enough of the stories he told and I think it's true of any Native American tale I read or watch in the movies. My fascination with Native Americans, their culture, their spirituality, their living with the land and fighting to maintain an existence against the ever encroaching white man is a story we should never forget. So to honor both this legacy, and our western hop today, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Native Americans in film.

Jose Chavez y Chavez

Kicking Bird & Wind in His Hair

Uncas and Chingachgook

Walter Crow Horse

Ben Yahzee

Do you have a favorite?

Cowboy Charm Blog Hops now has a companion Facebook Group, please feel free to join to receive blog hop and prize announcements. Enjoy some awesome blogs and find fantastic books, for every post you comment on with your email address, you will be entered for some amazing prizes.

***PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO QUALIFY***

Grand Prize: A $100 Gift Card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble, your choice. The winner will be chosen at random from comments containing email addresses, and will be announced on May 7. This is open to both US and international readers.

My prize: A $10 gift card to Amazon!

Heather's Giveaway
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Thor's Day Fun

2013-04-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Now for something completely different. Some fabulous scenes that should never have been cut from the movie and an alternative ending. Happy Thor's Day

Trading Up with Mahalia Levey

2013-04-24T12:51:00.002-05:00

Hmm, good food, hot romance and some sensory deprivation? Where do I sign up? I've never been a fan of those restaurants that invite you to eat in the dark--because by depriving you of sight, you enhance all your other senses. But after Trading Up--I may have to change my mind.

Prepare yourselves and be sure to check out this hot new release from Mahalia Levey!

I really had a great time writing another story for the 1NS series. I am totally hooked on writing them as well as reading what other authors are coming up with. In this story I decided to come up with a twist and play with two like minded individuals who judged possible dates with barely more than a glance or two. It’s a bad habit that we as a people have with deciding within seconds if someone is or isn’t for us. Just imagine all the possibles if people would slow down and let fate happen. With these two fate can’t happen because they are not open to it. That is where Madame Eve comes along and voila! Intervention. This is a feel good, sensory deprivation story that is smoking hot, or so I’ve been told. So grab your copy and experience fine dining in the dark and what things may come.

Pub Link | Amazon Link

Blurb

Camilla’s deal breakers make finding a man to fit her wants, needs, and desires darn near impossible. For years she’s been primped and primed to be the perfect political daughter, when all she really wants to do is let loose without her world collapsing. When a friend sends her Madam Eve’s way, she grabs the opportunity to explore without being outed to the conservative watchdogs.

Jonah Black’s career is heading for a change. His friends have dubbed him married to the military, and he can’t deny that his focus has been off center. While they enjoy the pleasures of life and wives, he has nothing to come home to. When offered the chance for a 1NS, he signs up, unprepared for the exotic woman whose sweet exterior masks enticing sexuality.

Sensory depravation and the natural freedom of anonymity launch unexpected sexual desires. Madame Eve’s only request–Enjoy the sweetness of life and let the chips fall where they may–leaves this couple eager for an eye-opening experience that breaks all the rules.

Excerpt

The flames licking inside her were too much to take, along with his roaming hand. She leaned forward and grasped the chilled wine goblet as a lifeline. When he nudged her lips to take a second taste, she pressed them together, holding her finger up and then laughing because he couldn’t see it in the dark. She took a long cool sip, more from Jonah’s effect on her than the food. She licked her lips then tucked herself against him, momentarily satisfied.

“Better?

“Mmm.” Cam sighed. “When’s it your turn? I’m having all the fun.”

“I’m having a good time feeding you.”

“You’re not hungry?” In the dark, his heart pounded against her cheek. “I’m hungry, all right. Ravenous, even.” Jonah caressed her thigh. Cam had no doubt his eyes would scorch her to her very soul. His lazy trail along her skin left her smoldering in need. She let him ply her with another skewer to distract from the throb at the apex of her thighs. She sucked a piece of pineapple he held between his fingers. Juices trickled down her chin. He mopped the stream of liquid with the pad of his thumb and nosily sucked it off. Holy bananas, she wanted a taste of him now. Her mind kept rewinding to the feel of his finger parting her lips.

“I uh…need to use the ladies’ room.” Cam pressed the button on the table for assistance and slid off of Jonah’s lap and into her seat. Seconds later, her guide assisted her out of her chair and slid it back in.

“Here we go, Ms. Knox.”

She stepped awkwardly away from the table. Along the way, she heard soft sighs and giggles. Definitely some hard-core kissing action. The idea of giving in to the dark side and making out in public heightened her ardor. A loud bang startled her. She jumped, almost losing Cesaire’s grasp.

“Don’t worry Ms. Knox. Almost there.” A few more steps and he ushered her into a space where dim lighting burned her dilated pupils for a moment before her eyes adjusted. He sat on a lounge chair between two doors marked Men and Women. The dim glow brought her normal self-conscious thoughts raging forward. In the dark Jonah couldn’t see her physical flaws. Would that change once he saw the real her?

For a chance to win some swag comment below and I’ll email a lucky winner an envelope of goodies!

Thor: The Dark World Trailer

2013-04-23T05:04:00.000-05:00

Yeah, you knew this would get its own post.

Let the countdown begin!

Building a Better Me - 2011 - 2013

2013-04-13T07:03:00.002-05:00

Those of you who follow me on Facebook know I've been working on my weight loss since May of 2012 - well actually I'd tried for years without a whole lot of success until May of 2012. In the nearly a year since I started this, I've lost almost 90 pounds. But it's better told with visuals.

June 2011

That's me down front next to Nalini Singh on the right. At the time I weighed about 260 pounds. I worked out every day and I tried to eat healthy, but it wasn't working.

May 2012

That's me with fabulous reader Tara in May exactly four days before I started the new diet. I weighed 253 pounds.

August 2012

By August, three months into the new regimen, I was down almost 40 pounds - I think I was right around 38 pounds off.

November 2012

Six months on the Medifast program, eating six times a day, ever three hours and having given up my Starbuck's addiction, I'm at seventy pounds down and I've dropped from a size 24 to a size 12.

February 2013

Here I am in February, just now a size 10 and down 80 pounds.

As of this morning, I am less than nine pounds from my goal, so the next photo I put up will be in May, one year from when I started the weight loss. Sometimes, it's better to show than to tell. But what a difference a year makes! I feel better than I have in years, and I no longer have to use a CPAP - which was part of the goal when I started!

My Favorite Proposals

2013-04-12T10:37:00.000-05:00

As a romance author, it shouldn't surprise anyone that I love a good proposal scene. I love these scenes where couples you root for finally come together and the proposals FIT them. Here are four of my favorites.

What are yours?

Monica & Chandler (Friends)

Derek & Meredith (Grey's Anatomy)

Ryan & Jenny (Castle)

Jamie & Aurelia (Love Actually)

Always a Marine Anniversary Party Winners!

2013-04-11T07:02:00.004-05:00

First and foremost, THANK YOU to everyone who came to party with me last weekend. I couldn't be more delighted to have the celebration and have so many turn up. It's been a great year with my Marines and I'm looking forward to more this year!

But let's get to the good stuff! The following winners were drawn by Rafflecopter!

Naming a Character in an Upcoming Marine

Jessica Mora Llewelyn

Always a Marine eBundle

Shadow Kohler

No Regrets, No Surrender Autographed Print

Luna Wildwood!

Two Copies of any eBooks in the Marine Backlist

Jan Meredith

The Marine Bear

Stephanie Staton

Winners, I need you to send me a note with your choices, or snail mail address as appropriate to heather (a) heatherlong (dot) net. You have one week, if I haven't heard from you, I'll draw new ones. Congratulations again!

Release Day! A Fistful of Dreams Available Now!

2013-04-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to present you with book #4 in the Fevered Hearts series. After Dorado burned at the end of Micah & Mrs. Miller, the Kanes and Morning Stars were left to face new challenges, new Fevered, and for many of them a whole new world.

A Fistful of Dreams
Fevered Hearts #4

Purchase Now eBook:
All Romance eBooks
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords

Rebuilding Dorado is only the first challenge…

Her secrets could destroy them all…

Primitive, primal and provocative, their struggle is intensely personal…

Close contact arouses a soul-stirring passion and love. But it may not be enough to sustain a relationship forbidden by their power and the tempest it can unleash.

His dream. Her words. Their destiny.

Join the fun on Facebook with the Fevered Fanatics Group.

Excerpt

Winter, 1851

This was the last time, Buck promised himself. The last time he would invade her dreams. The rocky landscape greened over the last several months. The barren wasteland she wandered through night after night transforming to rolling grasses as though the prairie swept through the desert to reclaim Delilah’s hope.

At least, he believed it to be the message in this dream. Two weeks since the last time he brushed across her dreamscape, two weeks since he allowed himself the simple pleasure of hearing her sing. The secret he nestled in his heart and guarded deep in his soul—Delilah possessed the most magnificent voice. A voice she never used in the waking day, no matter how much they tried to persuade her.

Oddly, instead of sunshine, the night sky stretched out across the horizon. Stars glittered against the velvety midnight black. He walked along the bank of a stream. The water twisted through the landscape, plunging down into the grass and appearing again near a rocky outcropping, only to splash down into a deeper pool.

Young trees struggled against the grass, stretching juvenile branches skyward. Oaks, cypress, and two others he couldn’t identify. They were as alien to her dreamscape as they were to the Texas hills the Flying K called home. Jogging lightly, he picked up his speed. He knew to follow the river. He circled the outcropping until he looked down into the pool of water.

Delilah sat alongside the bank, bare feet dipped into the water. Palms flat against the earth, she stared at the moon’s gleaming reflection on the watery surface. Despite the ripples from the water tripping over the rocks, it was as though some great hand scooped out the stars and filled in the bowl of the earth.

Her long black hair fell, unbound, to her waist. She wore a light chemise and an even thinner underskirt. Pristine white, the cotton glowed against her darker, richer skin as though she dressed in gathered moonlight.

A rock skittered away from his boot and she looked up. Her expression transformed from thoughtful reverie to one of warm greeting. The smile blooming on her lips tapped heels to the slow trot of his heart.

“Hello.” He murmured the words and slid down the rest of the path toward the pool’s edge. As in their daytime encounters, she didn’t speak. She gazed at him with liquid black eyes, dark as the night sky above. Fearless, but calm, she waited until he sat down a few feet away to drop her gaze back to the water.

“Sorry I haven’t been around.” He kept his voice to a low murmur, the quiet swish of the breeze through the grass and the water tripping over the rocks the only noise—not even night birds serenaded them. “We’ve had a lot of work to do. I've been pretty exhausted.”

It was a lame excuse. He was never so tired he couldn’t walk in her dreams, but he forced himself to stay away. She sought him out whenever he was home, closer to central life on the ranch, particularly after the events of the last summer.

The construction of a new Dorado and the arrival of the first Army detachment kept the ranch in an uproar. The Fevered worked hard to keep the ranch patrolled and the new Fevered children contained while they learned. Their secrets, hidden tightly beneath a lid, threatened to spill over with every new arrival. During the initial visit, Buck, Kid and Jimmy took a party of eight children up into the hills to camp amongst the rocks. Their dangerously unstable gifts took finesse to control, finesse they didn’t possess. Hopefully the pending arrival of the next wave would be shorter.

Yet. They will. We have to be patient. Surprisingly, of all who worked with them—or maybe not so much given his gift with emotions—Kid stabilized the worst of the children, balancing out their fears and their grief, so they could focus on the lessons.

But it took a toll on the youngest Kane and backslid him into old habits–using sex to distract himself from the pain he took away from others. Twice in as many months, Jimmy and Cody turned away irate husbands from distant ranches hunting the younger Kane. The number of women in the area was few and Kid refused to go to the mountain. Not yet, he repeated over and over like a mantra. Not until the ranch was safe.

The landscape around Buck shimmered, and twisted. He jerked out of his reverie and forced his mind to calm. He could hold a dreamscape stable, but this wasn’t a dangerous shift.

Delilah no longer sat on the edge of the pool, but in a curved back, mahogany chair before a great mirror. Although he never stepped foot inside her rooms at the main house, he knew the construction around him.

Riding out the shift, Buck perched on the end of a trunk tucked up against the foot of her bed. Delilah hummed to herself and her low melody wrapped around Buck’s soul and soothed the ache of lonely exhaustion. She ran a brush through her hair, gazing distantly in the mirror as though she continued to look farther away.

The soft music and the swish-crackle of the brush sliding through her hair lulled him. He clasped his hands together and enjoyed being with her. The light knock on the door intruded on their serenity. He expected Delilah to walk over and answer it, but the door opened as if by its own accord. Delilah’s dark gaze tracked up, focusing on the mirror and she smiled, a heart wrenching, dazzling grin of pure joy.

Buck jerked his head around and stared at the intruder. Anger fisted in his gut and he rose, blade appearing in his hand as though summoned by a thought.

Jason Kane held his hand out, as though unaware of Buck’s presence, and Delilah rose, walking over to take it.

No.

Lunging forward, Buck raised the blade, but it never struck. A hard hand locked around his wrist and jerked him backwards. Delilah, Jason, and her room evaporated for the mountain, soaring pines and the smell of snow. He landed in the dirt next to a far more familiar stream and Quanto loomed overhead, staring at him.

“What are you doing?” His father demanded.

The rage inside of him didn’t quiet. He met the wisdom and disappointment in the elder’s eyes and flinched. “I—”

What the hell had he been doing? Attacking Jason for knocking on her door?

Or because Delilah looked so happy to see him?

Why the hell is she dreaming about Jason Kane?

Lack of Fore Planning and Mondays...

2013-04-08T06:58:00.002-05:00

Image courtesy of arztsamui at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Some days it doesn't plan to think ahead. You won't hear me say that often. I subscribe to the theory that plans don't fail, it's the lack of planning that leads to failure. But if anything, all the planning in the world can't help if you don't get everyone on board.

For example, last night at nine-thirty, the Mini announced she didn't have the plain black shirt she needed for her drill team clinic this week. Never mind that when I specifically asked her three days before if she had everything and to let me know if we needed to find anything over the weekend, she blew me off with a "MOM! I'm fine." Never mind that I'd just worked all day long and was already in bed, staring glazed-eyed at the television and half-asleep, never mind that I asked her a week before, two weeks before, and three days before--she was frantic. We needed to go to the store RIGHT NOW.

Sigh. Mommyhood

The reasonable response would be "No, I asked you and you insisted you were fine because you were too lazy to actually check. So you'll have to do without." Which would ultimately mean she couldn't meet the dress code of her clinic. Not a helpful response.

So what did I do? What most parents do, I got up, threw my clothes back on and a baseball cap to hide my scary hair and we headed out to get her a shirt. The whole time, I lecture her on lack of foreplanning on her part does not constitute an emergency on mine.

Twenty minutes later, we exit Target, shirt in hand. Mini is busily thanking me for taking the time and apologizing for not thinking ahead.

But a Shining Moment

I nod and mumble something appropriate like your welcome and thank you. She announces as we pull into the garage. "I am really sorry, Mom. And while I would like to promise to never do it again, I know I get distracted and focused on other things and I don't always plan ahead, but I promise to try and be better about it."

Yeah. Okay. At least that's a reasonable response.

Sometimes, You Have to Suck It Up

She has her shirt. She's aware of what she did wrong. And from start to finish the entire exodus took less than thirty minutes.

The moral of the story? Being a mom is all about responding to those moments, planned or not. And capping the entire evening off with a good night that goes like this:

Mini: Thanks again, Mom.

Me, obviously tired and not thinking anymore: No problem.

Dramatic Pause.

Mini: Ummm...okay, because I was already a pain in the butt, I won't comment on that, but just for future reference, a twenty minute lecture on not planning ahead screams BIG PROBLEM. Thank you again. Night Mom, I love you.

Yep...schooled by the Mini!

Happy Monday!

Always a Marine Anniversary Party! Where Do We Go From Here?

2013-04-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

First let me kick off this final post of our anniversary party with a huge thank you to everyone who dropped in this weekend, hung out, tweeted, retweeted, as well as to all my readers who make my day with their enthusiasm and of course to my crit partners and editor and publisher without whom this entire series would not be possible.

Beyond all of these fantastic people...to all our men and women in the service who inspired me in the first place.

Where Do We Go From Here

In the twelve months since Once Her Man, Always Her Man released, we've seen a total of eleven books in the series. Most were 1Night Stands or shorts. For the most part, you've been wonderful in your reception for these books, but almost universal the request has been for longer stories. Don't think I haven't been listening.

Beginning in May, with the relesse of Matt's book, we're going to try and lengthen the novels coming out--but there are still shorts to come.

What Part of Marine Don't You Understand - 25k May 24
A Marine Affair (m/m) - 15k June 7
Marine Ever After - (30K+) June 21
Dances with Marines -15k July 2
Marines with Benefits - 15k July 19

This winter, we have five very special holiday 1Night Stands. And in 2014, you can expect at least three full length Marines including Brody and Shannon's full length story and reunion, a book I cannot wait to get into.

In the meanwhile, be sure to keep your eye out for this gem:

The print will include:

The Marine Cowboy
The Two and the Proud
A Marine and a Gentleman
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Combat Barbie

What would you like to see in future Always a Marine stories? I do want to know!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Always a Marine Anniversary Party! Giving Back

2013-04-07T13:47:00.001-05:00

In Once Her Man, Always Her Man, I introduced readers to Mike's Place. A number have asked me where the idea came from and what inspired it? In all honesty, the idea was born while I wrote the book. Luke told me as he told Rebecca. Sadly, the story Luke told of his friend Mike and what happened to him is hardly a unique one in the realm of our armed forces.

Fisher House

At the time that I began describing Mike's Place, I wasn't fully aware of Fisher House, but it didn't take me long to learn about it. For years, Fisher House has provided homes for families of the military who wanted to be close to their loved ones during their recovery. Because of the wonderful work they do, I dedicated a portion of my royalties to them and will continue to do so for as long as the book sells.

Writing No Regrets, No Surrender was a difficult journey for me. For the first time, I actively cried while writing. Jazz, Logan and Zach went through hell and I went along for the ride. But as hard as it was, I am so grateful for the opportunity to write it and go there as I did with the book.

Dedicated Efforts

Matt's upcoming book (see an exclusive sneak peek here) features a service dog named Jethro. Because of this, I want to donate a portion of those royalties to Paws for Patriots. It's a local organization that trains service dogs for our veterans. I don't think I can ever do enough to thank our service men and women for the sacrifices they make. But I can certainly try.

If even one book or one dollar helps someone, then I've done a good thing and while I love writing these books and telling their stories--I also want to help. Thankfully, this is a series that allows me to do both.

What charities and causes dedicated to veterans would you like to see helped?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Always a Marine Anniversary Party! Building the Series from Scratch

2013-04-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the day...one year ago today, Once Her Man, Always Her Man released. Of course, it wasn't written a year ago today, in fact, it was written over Thanksgiving weekend 2011. I started it Black Friday and finished the first draft by Sunday morning. I fired it off to my two crit partners and to the woman who nudged me into writing it, tweaked the manuscript and submitted it. Amazingly enough, thirty-three minutes later, I had an email back from the submissions editor and the rest...well...that's the series for you.

The Birth of the Idea

The actual idea to write a 1Night Stand came from Rebecca Royce. She and I hooked up on Twitter a few years ago. We'd been crit partners on and off, swapping reads for each other and encouragement. She mentioned to me that I should write for Decadent's 1 Night Stand line, she thought I had a good voice for it.

Three thoughts went through my head, in all honesty:

What's a 1Night Stand line?
No one can tell a story in 15,000 words or less
What would I write?

The first thought was easily answered by visiting the submission page, and reading about the details. The second and third were a lot harder to dismiss. But the idea wouldn't go away, it settled into the back of my brain and began to ferment.

Starting from Scratch

That particular November was a turbulent one for me and I won't bore you with the details, but professionally and personally there was a lot of upheaval. Through all of it, this idea kept whispering to me. What couple could Madame Eve bring together? Why would they need the 1Night Stand service? Because frankly, if I didn't believe it, I couldn't write it.

I'd always wanted to write a military man, and I think I was watching a rerun of West Wing--the episode where Leo brings in Rodney, a uniformed Marine in his dress blues to show off his skill with the rifle presentation and it all snapped into focus for me. Luke Dexter was born. Luke left his high school sweetheart behind to go fight a war.

He did it for a lot of reasons, but the largest one was he never expected to come home. He truly didn't believe he would. So rather than have her mourn him, he wanted her to move on. But a decade has passed and not only did he come home, but he thrived. He signed up for a 1Night Stand because his unit did and it was a show of solidarity. It was this one line in the book that gave birth to the others.

Not a Series

I wasn't planning a series when I wrote Once Her Man, Always Her Man, I planned to give it a shot and see if I could write a story within this limited framework of a word count. (By the way, I said I didn't think it was possible when I started this in large part because the LAST novella I tried to write just prior to this turned into an 82,000 word book, but that's a story for another day.) But I wrote it, I contracted it and I was excited.

And a week later, that line came back to haunt me. I started thinking about the men in Luke's unit. Who were they? What were their stories? Logan Cavanaugh presented himself and he had a story to be told--boy did he ever--and that led to Retreat Hell! It turned into a menage, unexpectedly and Logan introduced me to Zach and then of course, I knew they needed a special woman and that was Jazz.

One Character Leads to Another

After Retreat Hell, I thought about Logan's recovery time and who helped him and then we met James. In James' book, we met two other Marines, Damon and Matt. Damon would become book four. I thought book five would be Matt's, but Brody made an appearance. Funnily enough, Damon used Matt as an excuse to get Brody on his date.

Every single book has literally given birth to the next in the series, either directly or indirectly. From the men and women at Mike's Place to others beyond. Even those books taking place far away from Mike's Place were often inspired by the earlier ones. A question that pops up, an idea, a lyric from a song, a character on the screen--or a news story.

Always Marines

I've always been sensitive to the stories about Marines, but never more so than I have been in the last eighteen months. This year has really reminded me how every Marine has a story and as long as they do, I plan to write them. And you know what I learned?

I can write a story in 15,000 words or less, but my readers will always want more and I want to write them longer.

A 1Night Stand is an opportunity to find happily ever after, even if it's only a happy for now. It's an opportunity to discover love.

And I'd write Marines.

No I didn't plan to write a series, but I can't tell you how happy I am that I did. It's been a wonderful ride and I can't wait to see where it takes me.

In case you missed it, the party kicked off yesterday at the For the Love of Military Romance blog, there are three posts there, I encourage you to check them out for more opportunities to win some of our fun prizes, because what's a party without prizes?

My series was truly one of the happiest accidents I've ever had. I can never say thank you enough to Rebecca Royce (as you may note, Luke's Rebecca is named after her). Your blog question for today is, what happy accidents have happened to you?

What are our prizes?

Naming a character in an upcoming Marine!
Always a Marine eBundle
No Regrets, No Surrender autographed print copy
Two eCopies of any books on the Marine backlist
And....*drumroll* A Marine Bear! Who you just might sneak a look at in an upcoming video during the party!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Always a Marine Anniversary Party

2013-04-06T11:31:00.000-05:00

The Always a Marine anniversary party kicks off today on For the Love of Military Romance - so don't miss those blogs and your chances to enter and win. Then head back here tomorrow for more party fun!

Top 40 at 41 - What a Way to Celebrate a Birthday

2013-04-02T07:48:00.003-05:00

I thought about what I wanted to post for my birthday blog. Images of Thor? Videos from Vampire Diaries? A list of my favorite books or characters? What about my favorite people? You see, in 41 years of living, I have a lot I could talk about (yes, no comments from the peanut gallery, I know I can talk) and as much as I tease others about being chatty, I really couldn't pick just any one thing to chat about. So I decided to make an I'm grateful list...I'm grateful to the life I've led for 41 years, the ups, the downs, the joys, and the sorrows.

So just what am I grateful for today?

I'm grateful for fantastic friends who cheer me up, who check on me when I go quiet, who support me, who offer advice time and again when I ask for it whether I take the advice or not--they aren't shy about sharing their thoughts with me. They kick me in the ass when I need it and tell me to chill. They are some of the greatest ladies in the world--cause they like me for me, warts and all.

I'm grateful for a daughter who couldn't be better if she tried. She's my biggest fan, and she's thoughtful, sweet, hopeful and encouraging. She dares me to life and she helps me look at the world through a less jaded telescope. She's made me a better person, because I want to be one. She's smart and she's sassy and damn if she doesn't keep me on my toes.

I'm grateful to the editors who took a chance on a woman who just wants to write and tell stories all day, every day. They give me kudos when I get it right and tweak me when I get it wrong. They pick apart the stories and find the plot holes and are unflinching in their desire to help me put the best book out there I can.

I'm grateful for the animals who have shared my life, from my beloved Max and Murray to the sweet Tannim and Vienna. I've had to say goodbye to so many over the years, but my fur babies keep coming back or we find new souls to join us. If you run into everyone you've ever known in the afterlife, I know mine is going to be bouncing puppies and disdainful cats and I can't tell you how all right I am with that.

I'm grateful to my readers whether they picked up my first book or my thirtieth. You make me smile and you support my dream--really, what's not to love about that?

I'm grateful to my grandmother, the woman who taught me to never give up--no matter how hard life kicks you. Get up and kick it harder right back. I wish she could have met my daughter, I wish she could see all the things I've done. Life wasn't easy for her, but she was one of the toughest and sometimes one of the meanest ladies I ever met. If I'm even half the woman she was--then I did okay.

40 kicked ass for me. I am looking forward to great things during 41. I never forget where I came from, I never forget the year of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or worse, the year of not being able to afford more than ramen noodles. I haven't forgotten tough neighborhoods, and scrimping to buy a gallon of milk. I have never forgotten the sacrifices made to ensure I got to school on time or got the best education--or the trips, the fact that my grandmother didn't rely only on schools to teach me.

I haven't forgotten any of it and I'm grateful for it all--it's made me who I am. I am not just one thing or one event or one career--I am all of them. Good and bad, life's a journey and we're rocketing through it.

It's my birthday and I'll be sappy if I want to! Thank you all for being a part of my life. I literally wouldn't be here without each and every single one of you.

Heather

Show & Tell: Immortal Trust by Claire Ashgrove

2013-03-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Immortal Trust
The Curse of the Templars,
Book III

When archaeologist Chloe Broussard accepts the contract to lead a dig in Ornes, France, she has no idea she will uncover Veronica's Veil. When she does, she discovers a danger far greater than the demons that stalk her in the night. Azazel wants her, as well as the Veronica, and his chosen minion is her brother. Her hope lies with immortal Templar Knight, Lucan. Her life depends on oaths she knows nothing about.

For countless centuries, Lucan of Seacourt has lived with the knowledge that his brother killed their family. Now, as Azazel's darkness eats away at his soul, old betrayal stirs suspicion. He trusts no one. Not even the seraph who can heal his dying spirit.

With the fate of the Almighty hanging in the balance, Lucan must find faith in something more terrifying than the dark lord's creations. He must learn to believe his heart.

Purchase at Amazon or Barnes and Noble

For more about The Curse of the Templars, discover all the books at Claire’s Templar Webpage

Excerpt:

“No,” she answered in a strained whisper. Tugging her hands free, she grabbed at her courage. She shook her head and added in a stronger voice, “No, Lucan. You just usurped my authority with my student. Despite your assurances you trust my intentions, you insulted me nonetheless.” Pulling on her coat, she took a deep breath and attempted a final blow that would forever terminate any thought of a less than professional involvement. “No dinner tonight, no dinner tomorrow. No dinner ever.”

“Chloe—”

She lifted her hand to silence his protest. “I don’t want to hear it. You just kissed me without my permission. Consider yourself lucky I’m not planning on turning you in for sexual harassment.”

Taking two purposeful steps toward the door, she glanced over her shoulder and met his frown with courage she didn’t feel. “Now, you have my relic in your vehicle. As long as we are here, I’m in charge of its care. You can either transfer it to the Mercedes, or you can take me back to the hotel.” She zipped her coat with more effort than necessary, nearly catching her chin. “When we do get there, that golden trunk is going in the safe in my room. Because, quite frankly, I don’t trust you.”

The widening of his eyes told her he hadn’t expected that remark. But Lucan refrained from comment and merely gestured at the door, inviting her to exit first. She pushed it open and stepped onto the snow-covered steps. When he exited behind her, she tugged her keys out and locked the double-wide. “So, what’s it going to be?”

To her complete surprise, despite her lecture seconds earlier, he grabbed her by the hand and twined his fingers through hers. “Caradoc and I shall drive you.”

She scowled at their locked palms. Tugging, she attempted to break free from his possessive hold.

He held fast.

She pulled harder. “I don’t want to hold your hand, Lucan. Turn me loose.”

As his boot crunched into a newly formed mound of snow, he came to an abrupt halt and swiveled around as if she’d called him out. “If you are not careful, milady, you will force me to prove just how false your words are by kissing you without your permission once more.”

Shocked, Chloe gasped. She opened her mouth, but words failed her. What the hell? Surely she hadn’t heard him right. He hadn’t just announced he’d assault her again.

A strange, completely unacceptable thrill slid through her veins. The first kiss had been so damnably nice. A second . . .

She stopped the thought by clamping her teeth into the inside of her cheek until she tasted blood. Good grief, what was the matter with her? She was starting to resemble the foolish Miranda.

“Do it and I’ll—” The threat stopped on the tip of her tongue as Lucan’s gaze flared with annoyance.

“You shall what?”

About the Author:

Building on a background of fantasy game design, a fascination with history, and a lifetime love of books, Award-Winning Author Claire Ashgrove brings to life action-filled, passionate journeys of the heart. Her first contemporary novel, Seduction's Stakes, sold to The Wild Rose Press in 2008, where she continues to write for the Champagne and Black Rose lines. Adding to these critically acclaimed romances, Claire's paranormal series, The Curse of the Templars (Tor), marries the history of the Knights Templar with the chilling aspirations of the most unholy--a must-read for speculative fiction fans. Her books have received multiple nominations for "Best Romance of the Year" awards as well as placements within a variety of contests, including the rigorous, Reader's Crown Awards, where Immortal Hope was named Best Paranormal Romance of 2011. For those who prefer the more erotic side of life, she also writes darkly arousing espionage novels for Berkley as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire.

She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, and her local RWA chapters, Heartland Romance Authors, Midwest Romance Writers, and North Texas Romance Writers of America.

Claire lives in Missouri with her two young sons and too-many horses, cats, and dogs. In her "free" time, she enjoys cooking, studying Ancient Civilizations, and spending downtime with her children and the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.

Sneak Peek Sunday: A Fistful of Dreams

2013-03-24T07:36:00.001-05:00

A Fistful of Dreams releasing April 2013

Flying K Ranch, Winter 1851

He righted the glass and turned his attention to the Colonel. Delilah’s heart hammered and she stared at the water glass. A brush of a hand against her left arm drew her away from the muffled cotton of her own mind and she glanced at Buck. He gave her a quick grin, a reassuring one and all the sound rushed back in.

A few seconds passed since the Colonel’s question, but none volunteered any information. “I didn’t think so,” he sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Adam MacPherson is Fevered, or so we believe. We only have a bare amount of intelligence on him and his actions. But one thing we do know—Harrison Miller worked for MacPherson. He visited with him numerous times in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.”

“So why not grab this MacPherson person?” Micah asked, hostility edging his tone. He’d nearly lost his wife to Miller’s attacks. They had lost Antonia and so many others.

“Because we don’t know where he is. He appears and disappears at will and by the time we’re alerted to where he is, he’s usually long gone before we can get someone into his camp. We’ve tried to let him recruit our people but most end up dead. To our knowledge, only one person has ever met him face to face and can even identify him for us now.”

“Who?” Cody demanded.

Icy heat enveloped her. Father didn’t care for traitors. He never let them live. She swallowed, not daring to look up for fear the others would be staring at her.

“Me.” Jason leaned forward. “I’ve spent the last few years learning everything I can about him.”

She felt more than saw Buck jerk next to her. Conversation erupted around the table, voices raised and questions were shouted. She gaped at the man on her right—the man who offered her a chance at freedom. Jason winked at her.

It’s okay. Trust me.

What choice did she have?

Sexy Saturday: The Lady is a Thief

2013-03-23T10:42:00.001-05:00

One Thief…

Wealthy, titled, and very privileged, Lady Katherine Hardwicke successfully eluded some of the best thieves in the world in a quest to obtain the Fortunate Buddha. Her time is running out and her enemies are closing in, and one deliciously enigmatic man seems determined to get in her way. Will he save her or end her quest forever?

One Hunt…

Jarod Parker wears many faces and lies for a living, but when the same thief steals the Buddha out from beneath his agents not once but twice, this handler returns to the field. His target? The last woman anyone would suspect of being the thief. But is he really after the Buddha or has this brilliant woman stolen his heart?

One Choice…

Their sensuous game of cat and mouse turns deadly when a third player turns up the heat, but can these two liars come clean with each other or will they lose it all?

Read an excerpt after the jump!

Lady Katherine Hardwicke sat at the end of a fourteen-foot long conference table. Also present were ten of the most mind-numbingly boring bankers she'd ever met. A display on the screen scrolled through a PowerPoint presentation of the latest Hardwicke Holdings financial statements. These annual meetings killed her, but her father wanted her to know everything about the business and sent her each year to be 'educated.' In his opinion, the heir apparent to the Hardwicke fortune needed to be fully briefed on their holdings, their investments, when to cash out and more. Tracing one red nail lightly against the polished mahogany, she found herself wishing for a brother.

Or four.

Her father's old-world sensibilities would have left her brothers in charge and she could just collect her monthly stipend from the family trust. The sexist extreme didn't always carry an allure, but today it did.

The clearing of a throat dragged her attention back to the room. “Lady Hardwicke?” The elderly banker speaking was Fitzhugh. Miles Fitzhugh had been one of her father's personal financial advisors for over a quarter of a century. He looked down his nose at her, probably still seeing her hair in pigtails and her polka dotted dresses from childhood.

“Yes, Mr. Fitzhugh?” She fought to wipe the glazed expression from her eyes and focused on the man at the head of the table.

“I just wanted to make sure you were paying attention.” If any other man at the table spoke to her that way, she may have bristled. But Miles just couldn't see her as an adult, so she often granted him the tolerance due an elder.

Often, but not always. “The third quarter decline has been offset by our fourth quarter earnings. Overall, the annual financial loss statement is significantly improved over the last fiscal year, but if we rearrange our investments, withdraw from energy and reinvest in local economies—particularly the booming green movements and organic foods sections in the Midwest—we could see a long-term gain within five years.”

Several of the bankers went from smirking to studying the portfolios in front of them. Two coughed and a third turned away to sneeze, while one of the younger, more unfamiliar bankers sitting near the center of the table watched her. She could almost smell the curiosity in his expression.

“Of course, if we remove our investments from energy, we lose the potential gain in the new hybridization movements developing in Japan and Germany. Our Italian investment, for example, just completed a prototype for a solar powered electric vehicle. Our partner in Norway is working on a refined version of the electric car's battery that would not need to be replaced annually, but might prove self-sustaining for up to five years. Instead of pulling out money from any of these projects, we would see a greater return in facilitating introductions, supporting future development and reaping the rewards of electric vehicles that are fiscally sound.”

Miles' wrinkled face bloomed into a grin. “We could do that, Lady Hardwicke. But it's a gamble.”

“True. So let's take it a step further. Two presentations ago, you mentioned the application of wind farm technology to greenhouse organics in New Mexico. Why not increase our investment, take the gains we've made up in the last quarter toward funding not only these energy and transportation projects, but also the organic food movement? By diversifying, we can offset losses in one area with gains in another, but continue to promote cleaner, more efficient vehicles and healthier food sources.”

Ambrose Bingham rapped his knuckles against the table. He and Miles were her father's favorite advisors. But if Miles said blue sky, Ambrose would argue that it was red. They were diametrically opposed across the board. “Lady Hardwicke,” he began, his voice filled with patient disdain. “You may think throwing good money after bad in an industry that continues to report losses twenty years after developing on the fringe is a 'gamble,' but it's a fool's bet. You will lose money in all three areas you've mentioned.”

“Huge gobs?” She lifted her brows, and leaned back in the chair. Crossing one leg over the other, she pasted on a patient smile. “Armored car loads of cash? Or pennies on a spreadsheet accumulating into a respectable tax write off at the end of the quarter?”

The Hardwicke family fortune amounted to billions, not millions. Small, medium, and large investments in multiple industries, charities, and private start-ups diversified their interests. They maintained healthy sums in every country they did business and worked diligently to stay within regulation. But at the end of the day, the final decisions always rested with her father—or in cases like this, when he appointed her his representative—her.

“Well that might take some research...” Ambrose hedged.

“No it doesn't.” Miles scented the blood in the water and leaned in for the kill. “We've already shown a three percent gain overall each quarter we diversified, offsetting any loss—”

“But if we removed the losing investments, those that proved capital losses in the last four consecutive quarters...” Ambrose fired back and within a minute, the two men began flinging figures at each other as though old world duelists, trying to cut each other down with the facts. It didn't take long for the rest of the bankers to jump in, throwing their support to one side or the other.

Kit rubbed the side of her nose and tried to swallow the satisfaction. When they yelled at each other, they ignored her. Oddly though, one man at the table seemed less interested in the debate than he did staring at her.

The new banker. Paulson? Perkins? Parker.

His last name is Parker. She didn't recall if Miles used a first name when he'd gone around the table. Mid-thirties, dark, close- cropped hair, a strong chin, and very firm lips that quirked into a smile of amusement. He noticed her attention and flicked a look at the chaos around the table, before tipping his head.

She considered accepting the accolade, but merely widened her eyes in mock innocence and smiled. His grin edged the corners of his mouth wider and turned him from moderately attractive to truly handsome. Awareness shivered over her skin and she forced herself to look away.

Miles rapped the table. The chatter muted immediately. He rose and planted both hands on the table. “This is a pointless debate.

Our task is to apprise Lady Hardwicke of the facts, present prospectus reports, and offer our suggestions. Everything else is moot.”

Grumbling met that statement, but the bankers leaned back in their chairs as though attempting to soothe their own ruffled feathers. Miles stared at her down the length of the table. “Lady Hardwicke, do you feel that you have been briefed fully?”

“To a point.” She gave her father's old friend a lazy smile. “But I would like full financial statements for the Italian and Norwegian investments as well as the proposed property development in Dubai.” The man to her immediate right jerked at the last. She could almost smell the surprise and delight at the request. He'd brought up the construction deals in Dubai at the beginning of the meeting—nearly four hours before—and been drowned out almost unanimously by the others.

Miles frowned. “Very well. We’ll have the full reports compiled and sent to your hotel.”

“Fantastic.” She rose from the chair, flipped her digital tablet off and slid it into the oversized bag. Every man at the table rose, but it was Parker's regard she caught herself watching. Speculation joined amusement in his expression. “Thank you gentlemen. As always, it's been a pleasure. I will see you all again next year.”

She slid a card out of her wallet and handed it to the man on her right—Kevin Donner. “Mr. Donner,” she pulled his attention as the others gathered their things together, shut down laptops and repacked their briefcases. “Please send all of your information to me directly.”

He took the card with a quick thanks and a flash of relief. Miles hated his plan. She adored the old man, but he would take his time to review, tweak, change, and force Donner to backtrack on his suggestions and it would be months before she received anything.

“Yes, ma'am—thank you ma'am.”

“You're welcome.” Slipping the strap of her purse over her shoulder, she made the rounds of the table, deliberately choosing the side opposite of Parker. Glad-handing was part of the job. She spared a comment for each man, asking about a wife, a child, or a hobby. She always made sure to brush up on the little tidbits before every meeting. She knew how to leave a good impression, reminding even the most staid banker that she cared. Her father believed in earning respect and courting affection, traits she practiced from an early age.

Miles took her arm as she reached him and left his things for his assistant to gather. Cane in hand, he led her from the room. A flash of frustration shone in his eyes and his mouth tightened. But the expression, so fleeting, she might have imagined it.

“So, Katherine. How is your father these days?” Miles tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. She slowed her pace to match his uneven gait.

“Retired and enjoying it—mostly.” 

“I still can't believe he's stepping down.”

Didn't believe or don't like it? “Monica encourages him to take it easy, but don't think he's completely out. He reviews every file, every report—and if he wants changes, he asks for them.”

“Oh. Good. Good.” Miles patted her hand. At the elevator, she reached out, pressed the button and dropped a kiss on his withered cheek.

“Don't worry, Miles. I won't run Hardwicke into the ground. Daddy wouldn't let me.” Her tone light, placating and teasing, but the spike of guilt shining in Miles' eyes told her she read his concern correctly. He didn't want Daddy's little girl destroying all of Daddy's hard work.

“Now, Katherine...you know I trust your instincts and your education.” The elevator dinged open and they stepped inside. Whether out of respect for Miles or a desire to not be dragged into the further conversation, the others left them to the privacy of the elevator.

Too bad. She'd hoped Parker would at least follow.

The doors closed and Miles shed the grandfather attitude. “But you lead with your heart and that's bad for business, dear.”

She preferred the blunt honesty. “And yet, we're still showing a profit. Your retirement and fortunes are guaranteed, Miles. Times are changing. Hardwicke needs to change with them and stay in front of the cutting edge or risk being sliced in half when it progresses without us.”

“Young lady...” His cheeks popped with the force of his breath and his face flushed. “My point, exactly. You want to gamble on every new idea out there and some are downright foolish. What Donner wants to do is mire us in the Mideast. That's never good for business.”

“Ten years ago? Probably not. But Dubai is a capitalist’s boomtown with multiple opportunities for legacy and investment.” She bit down on the next words. Old fashioned and mired in the past as he may be, she did genuinely like the old man. “Look, I asked to see his plans. I want to get a good feel for what he is seeing. Maybe he's got ideas and connections we don't. I didn't agree to anything.”

“Hmmph.” Miles folded both hands on top of the cane and leaned on it. “Don't try to placate me. You're going to listen to everything I say, nod respectfully, and just go do whatever the hell it is you want.”

Laughter rippled through her and she was still chuckling when the express elevator dinged open on the ground floor. Despite his infirmities, she led the way out because Miles wouldn't have it any other way. Pressing another kiss to his cheek, she winked. “How about I promise to discuss it with you before I do what I want to do?”

“It's better than nothing.” He returned the buss to her cheek and patted her arm. “Give my regards to your father and remind him he owes me for that last poker game.”

“Yes, sir.” Another wink and she pivoted on her heel to head out. Midtown Manhattan hummed with foot traffic, cars, and tourists. Her limo sat out front waiting for her. If she hurried, she could be at LaGuardia in a couple of hours and, after weeks of delay, finally be on her way to Los Angeles.

A very masculine hand caught the door in front of her and pulled it open. Startled, she glanced to find Parker smiling at her. His easy expression didn't quite reach his eyes. “Mr. Parker...”

“Lady Hardwicke.” His voice lacked any discernible accent, but possessed a distinctly masculine quality, low and direct. He motioned her through the door and followed after her. He caught the second door and opened that as well.

Traffic noise spilled over them as they stepped out onto the sidewalk. “You handled those men very, very well up there.”

She appreciated the compliment. “Thank you. You didn't seem to have much to add to the conversation.”

“It wasn't a conversation.” The right corner of his mouth turned up into a wry grin. “Or at least, that wasn't their plan. They wanted to brief you, have you sign off, and move on.”

She nodded, bemused that he noticed. She walked over to the limo and handed her purse to the driver who opened the back door and stowed it inside. “It's what they usually expect, although I've never done what's usually expected of me.”

“I liked it. You handled all of it gracefully. But why Dubai?” He canted his head, curiosity in his tone, not criticism.

She wore four-inch heels and still had to look up at him. Crossing her arms, she considered ignoring his question and asking him to join her for the ride to the airport and drinks along the way. But she never mixed business and pleasure.

Well, almost never...

He wore no ring on his left hand and no tan line betrayed the recent presence of one. But it wouldn't be the first time a married man decided to forgo the wedding band.

“Why not Dubai?” She turned the question back on him. “It's a wealthy region, plenty of opportunities, multiple construction projects, and booming western interests.”

“Because it's a glut, too. You're not looking at creating anything new or cutting edge as you explained to Miles. So is Dubai a distraction to focus them on something that won't work and rile them up?”

Intrigued, she arched both brows and closed the gap between them to less than a foot. “Why would I want to distract them?”

“So you can close the deal you really want, and then make a peace offering after you concede to their wishes.”

Her belly fluttered. Oh, hello, Mr. Intelligent and Sexy. That should be illegal. “Interesting supposition. What deal do you think I'm really after?” If only she planned to stay in the city for another few nights, she might be able to explore the depths of this man—or at least find out if he is married.

“You didn't comment on the Costa Rica proposal at all. In fact, you distracted them with a colorful golf joke and derailed the entire conversation for an hour.”

A warning tingle raced up her spine. “Clever deduction, but maybe I just like golf.”

Parker laughed, a hard, delicious sound that caressed her. Excitement curled in her chest. “That's why you stared off into space when they debated the last Master's.”

Did he watch me through that whole meeting? She rifled her memory for what areas of their organization he represented, but couldn't place him. “I learned a long time ago, it's good business to not disagree with the men you're talking to, particularly about their favorite sports.” She made a show of glancing at her watch, even though she knew the exact time. “I have a flight in a couple of hours, would you like to join me for drinks on the way to the airport? My driver can take you wherever you need to be after.”

“I would enjoy that.” He motioned to the car.

Ronald, her driver, gave her a mildly amused look as she slid past him and into the car. She scooted over the seat and moved her purse before Parker joined her. They had a wide selection of drinks in the mini bar, but Parker chose a bottle of water.

So did she.

Leaning back, she crossed her legs, very well aware that the skirt rode up and with no table between them now. “So tell me about Costa Rica, Mr. Parker, and why you think that's the deal I should be interested in?”

Amusement creased his face. “Jarod.”

“I'm sorry?” She played dumb easily enough, paint on a pretty smile, lift her brows and blink. Most men bought it.

“Jarod Parker.” He held out his hand and she took it. “But please call me Jarod.”

Electricity skated over her palm at the warm contact. His fingers closed on her hand and she realized just how large a man he was. Appearances really can be so deceiving... “All right, Jarod. Call me Katherine.”

He smiled, holding her hand hostage. “Would you mind Kat?” “Actually, I prefer Kit.” “Kit.” He rolled the name around on his tongue. Her gaze went unerringly to his mouth. What else could he do with that tongue? “Kit Kat—I like it.”

Her face warmed. Dear God, was she blushing? Clearing her throat, she extracted her hand and opened the water bottle. “I prefer Kit, but I reserve that only for my friends. So you may call me Katherine.” Time to get some distance and perspective.

“Whatever you say, Kit Kat.” He settled back against the seat and the tingles radiating out from her middle increased.

Oh. My.

Rites of Spring: You Never Forget the First Time...

2013-03-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Spring is about renewal. It's a beginning. A fresh start. It's also about making magic. You never forget the first time you...

Read a romance
Went skiing
Had a child
Wrote a book
Shared a first kiss
Published a book
Had a best seller

These are the moments that stand out for me when I think of those magical firsts. I debated a little what I wanted to share today--would it be a book? A first for a character? Or would it be something more personal? I decided the split the difference.

Escape from Desire

My grandmother used to read Harlequin romances to me when I was a kid. She didn't like picture books, so she would read me her romances. She loved Harlequin, read them up to the day she died. I used to give her subscriptions to her favorite series...and the Presents line remained her primary go to from the first. In 1983, I read my very first Harlequin on my own. I remember being shocked by the fact that the characters didn't nap or clean as often as my grandmother used to say they did and even more shocking...I loved the story so much I wanted to read another and another and another.

That first romance novel was Escape from Desire by Penny Jordan.

Escape from Desire

What I remember most about the book was the adventure. Tamara went to the Caribbean to vacation, little did she know she would find herself captured by rebels or that her only hope was Zach Fletcher, a man who was also a prisoner.

Their flight through the jungle had me on the edge of my seat and their passionate clinch amidst all the danger seemed natural, even then. But the spider bite Tamara got? That creeped me out. Worse was when Tamara finally woke up in a hospital and Zach was gone. My heart broke for her. When she turned up pregnant, that shocked me--it was a first for me in any book. Worse, when she found herself facing Zach again and they had all this passion and tension and secret between them...my pulse raced.

I've never looked back from my love of romances. Not once. Hard to believe that I read this book thirty years ago, but like Tamara, I went on my magical vacation and my life was changed forever.

What was your first romance novel? Leave a comment about it and be entered to win a $10 gift certificate to Amazon. And don't forget to join the hop. You could win a Kindle Fire!

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For the Love of Military Romance

2013-03-14T08:57:00.000-05:00

I’m very excited to announce a joint venture with three other authors who write military romance!

For the Love of Military Romance is a blog that will feature Melissa Schroeder, Cat Johnson, and DL Jackson, and me! I can't tell you how excited I am to be working with these ladies! We will chat up military romance, military life, and feature our books. We are planning a soft opening April 1 so be on the look out for all the fun. And we have a Facebook Page you can like also and a Pinterest page to follow!

Make sure to check us out and follow along. April is just around the corner:)

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