Quite honestly and frankly, I am all blogged out. I've been promo'ing hard for the last few weeks, so much so that I'm running out of topics.

So let's recap and go from there. Pet's Pleasure is my homage to my lazy, neurotic cats and the easy lifestyle they have. I wanted to throw a heroine into the same situation and see what happened. When faced with no obligations and nothing to do all day, what do you do? If you're my cats, you do silly things to entertain yourself that the humans think is cute. I figured a human would be the same.

I thought Pet's Pleasure was pretty tame for an Ellora's Cave title, even if I did sub it to Blush. Come to find out my title is hot for Blush. So hot EC put a warning on the buy page to warn people that's it hot. BUT… it's kind of tame for Romantica. Anyone else hearing the "stuck in the middle with you" song running through their head? It's not a bad place to be and I don't mind. I thought my sex scenes were pretty mild, especially compared to my other titles. Guess my gauge is a little off.

Speaking of a little off… that would be me. People ask how I come up with my plots and I have no ready answer. The littlest thing sparks my imagination. And it can be something inconsequential and mundane, like the way someone says a word, and suddenly I have a whole story unfolding. The alien abduction plot in Pet's Pleasure is one I've had running around my head since I was a kid and wanted to leave my life behind for a better one. I was always hoping the invasion would begin and some hot alien guy would take me away to his kingdom in space. Yes, of course he's royalty. It's no fun unless he's royalty.

So that brings us to the present. I'm no longer wishing for the invasion. I just write about it instead. Much more fun and less devastating that way. I have many more alien romances up my sleeve. Some abductions and some invitations and some hitchhiking. I hope to finish them soon so I can see what you all think. Until then, I hope you enjoy my first installment.

Pet's Pleasure

by Zenobia Renquist

Publisher: Ellora's Cave, Blush
Genre: Mainstream Science Fiction Romance, Interracial
eBook ISBN: 9781419936524
Price: $5.20/US
Length: Plus Novel

Starling envied the easy life of pets…until she became one. Kidnapped from Earth and sold to the highest bidder, she now belongs to an alien king. But she doesn’t want to be his pampered possession. She wants Bekion to see her as an independent woman with needs and desires of her own.

Only deviants break the laws barring sexual relations between owners and their pets, and King Bekion has no intention of succumbing to simple lust. But the long nights with Starling’s lush body pressed tight against his take a toll. Her strength and intelligence make it difficult for Bekion to remember Starling is human—and forbidden. He knows it isn’t right but he can’t stop thinking of his pet and all the pleasure he could give her, even if it costs him his crown.

Buy Now: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9948-pets-pleasure.aspx

Read Excerpt #1: http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419936524.htm

Read Excerpt #2: http://zenobiarenquist.com/bookshelf/pets-pleasure

Read full first chapter: http://www.drb1stchp.com/2012/04/pets-pleasure-by-zenobia-renquist.html

You're still reading? Coolness. Thanks. So… uh… I'm already holding a contest at another blog to win a PDF of Pet's Pleasure. You can stop by there and learn a little bit more about the characters as well as enter to win. The contest ends 28 May (Monday) at 12:01AM EST.
 

Contest blog post: http://tarotbyarwen.com/blog/?p=7570

Thanks for reading,

Zenobia Renquist
Discover Different & Unique Romance
Site: http://zenobiarenquist.com
Twitter: @ZenobiaRenquist
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Author.DRBagby.ZRenquist
Newsletter: http://ymlp.com/xgeusujygmgj
Blog: http://dreneebagby.blogspot.com/

Harriet Tubman was a conductor for the Underground Railroad. What makes her story all the more amazing is the fact that she was a black woman who wouldn’t read or write. Imagine the intellect! Harriet's work didn't end with the Civil War. A

Harriet spent her first paycheck building a facility where freed black women could earn their living cleaning the soldier’s laundry. She wasn’t paid regularly from the military, however, and only earned $200 in three years. She sold baked goods and root beer, that she made herself in any spare time she could find, to support herself and her work.

After the Civil War Harriet established schools for freed slaves in South Carolina. She understood how crucial education was for blacks needing to support themselves. Once she felt her work was complete there, she returned to her Auburn, New York home.

In Auburn, Harriet channeled her drive to obtain freedom for others into the suffrage movement. She took in several young children, whom she raised as her own, and operated a home for poor and aging free blacks until her death. During her lifetime, Harriet brought the sweetness of freedom to so many, touching countless lives. She died at age 93, and was buried with full military honors.

Golda Meir faced a political world in an earlier time when women were much fewer and far between than they are today. One of the things I most admire about her is her willingness to follow what she believed to be her constituents’ wishes. She led her people well, but when time came for her to let someone else step up, she had the courage to step down.

Her party won the elections in December 1973, but she resigned on April 11, 1974, bowing to what she felt was the "will of the people." and what she felt was a sufficient premiership as well as the pending pressures of forming a coalition; "Five years are sufficient…It is beyond my strength to continue carrying this burden."[29][30] Yitzhak Rabin succeeded her on June 3, 1974.

Florence Nightingale came to prominence for her pioneering work in nursing during the Crimean War, where she tended to wounded soldiers. She was dubbed "The Lady with the Lamp" after her habit of making rounds at night.

Nightingale laid the foundation of professional nursing with the establishment, in 1860, of her nursing school at St Thomas' Hospital in London, the first secular nursing school in the world, now part of King's College London. The Nightingale Pledge taken by new nurses was named in her honour.

Madam Curie, born Marie Skłodowska-Curie (7 November 1867 – 4 July 1934) was a French-Polish physicist and chemist famous for her pioneering research on radioactivity. In the late nineteenth century, the world of science was no less a man's world than was politics. Women like Madam Curie have taught me that there have always been women who step outside the current stereo-typical roles created for them by society.

She was the first person honored with two Nobel Prizes in physics and chemistry. She was the first female professor at the University of Paris, and in 1995 became the first woman to be entomed on her own merits in the Panthéon in Paris.

Josephine Baker born Freda McDonald, was decorated for her undercover work for the French Resistance during World War II. As if working as an undercover agent wasn't enough, Josephine went on to become a civil rights activist.

She refused to perform for segregated audiences and integrated the Las Vegas nightclubs. She adopted twelve children from around the world whom she called her "Rainbow Tribe."

Amelia Erhart, who doesn't know the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic?

On May 20, 1932, five years to the day after Lindbergh, she took off from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, to Paris. Strong north winds, icy conditions and mechanical problems plagued the flight and forced her to land in a pasture near Londonderry, Ireland. "After scaring most of the cows in the neighborhood," she said, "I pulled up in a farmer's back yard." As word of her flight spread, the media surrounded her, both overseas and in the United States. President Herbert Hoover presented Earhart with a gold medal from the National Geographic Society. Congress awarded her the Distinguished Flying Cross-the first ever given to a woman. At the ceremony, Vice President Charles Curtis praised her courage, saying she displayed "heroic courage and skill as a navigator at the risk of her life." Earhart felt the flight proved that men and women were equal in "jobs requiring intelligence, coordination, speed, coolness and willpower."

Mae West. Don't laugh! Mae West was the first women to make a million dollars in the entertainment business. Not only that, she wasn't afraid to tackle the more "taboo" subjects.

In 1926, Mae wrote, produced and directed the Broadway show, "Sex," which led her to be arrested for obscenity. The following year, her next play, "Drag," was banned on Broadway because its subject matter was homosexuality.

West skirted the delicate sensibilities of Hollywood censors with sexual innuendo and double entendre and her witty observations were as widely quoted as Ben Franklin bromides: "It's better to be looked over than overlooked"; "I used to be Snow White but it drifted," etc. Although she cultivated the image of the "tough broad," West always conveyed a curious Victorian innocence coupled with a winking, self-effacing amusement at her own preposterous creation. Her popularity reached such peaks that sailors were inspired to name their inflatable life jackets after her overemphasized 43-inch "assets," ensuring West a place, like no other actress to date, in Webster's Dictionary.

Annie Oakley–yeah, baby! Come on, a nineteenth century markswoman? And she was a Quaker. Yeah! Now that I would have liked to have seen.

Whether it be a pistol, rifle, or shotgun, the legendary markswoman Annie Oakley was masterful with them all. Dubbed "Little Sure Shot" by Chief Sitting Bull (she was 5 feet tall), her sharp shooting in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show won her many awards and captivated audiences far and wide. Her name remains synonymous with firearms and entertainment.

Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Egypt and lover to both Julius Caesar and Mark. Ok, so she was a bit of a shady character. But can you imagine what it was like to rule Egypt? Cleopatra was said not to be an overly beautifu woman, yet she had a way of charming people into doing what she wanted. How often have you heard that joke "I was Cleopatra in another life?" Well, who do you think Cleopatra claimed to be?

She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a family of Greek origin that ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great's death during the Hellenistic period. The Ptolemies, throughout their dynasty, spoke Greek and refused to speak Egyptian, By contrast, Cleopatra did learn to speak Egyptian and represented herself as the reincarnation of an Egyptian goddess, Isis.

Catherine the Great did so much for Russia during her reign that she was called Catherine the Great more often than Catherine II. A German princess, who ruled Russia. But politics wasn't this amazing woman's only concern.

Catherine's main interest was also in culture and education. She established boarding schools like the Smolny Institute for Girls and the Russian Academy of Letters. Public publishing houses were licensed and because works could now be published, journalism flourished. Hospitals and medical colleges were founded, surgical and medical equipment was being made in Russia, and they were leading the war in disease control.

Rosa Parks, born Rosa Louise McCauley was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama. Sometimes, the most simplest of actions can change even a nation.

On December 1, 1955, Rosa's whole life changed when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. For violating Montgomery's ordinance, she was arrested and fined. However, this act began the modern civil rights movement. In combination with Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa boycotted the ciry's bus company for a duration of 382 days. This caused the Supreme Court to rule that the ordinance under which Rosa was fined was wrong. They also put out a law against racial segregation on public transportation. She also later received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize.

Helen Keller–I can't imagine anyone who hasn't heard Helen's story. Thereofre, I'm including one simple quote that I think emobies her life.

"For many generations, more than we can count, we bowed our heads and submitted to blindness and begging. This blind and deaf woman lifts her head high and teaches us to win our way back by work and laughter. She brings light and hope to the heart."
-Quote from a Japanese woman about Helen Keller

Ruth Wakefield, yes, believe it or not, the inventor of chocolate chip cookies. I'm ending my tribute on this note because few things have brought me more pleasure than a good chocolate chip cookie.

In 1930, Wakefield was mixing a batch of cookies for her roadside inn guests when she discovered that she was out of baker's chocolate. She substituted broken pieces of Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate, expecting it to melt and absorb into the dough to create chocolate cookies. That didn't happen, but the surprising result helped to make Ruth Wakefield one of the 20th century's most famous women inventors. When she removed the pan from the oven, Wakefield realized that she had accidentally invented "chocolate chip cookies."

At the time, she called her creations "Toll House Crunch Cookies."

Of course, there are far too many heroic women to name here. The list is endless. Who is one of your female heroes?

Don't all children have an idea of what they want to be when they grow up? Many have dreams…some come true and some are destined to fade as another fantasy takes shape. My dream, or fantasy, began at the age of 13. I read my first romance novel. I believe this novel about a bad boy hero and a sassy, smart heroine shaped a path I would later use as the core to my novels. Bad boys are my existence–that is, they are my fetish in my novels. One thing my bad boy must have is a sweet, kind side. Otherwise, he doesn't make the cut. When it comes to heroines no cookie-cut beauty will do. She must have flaws that set her apart, or make her special. She MUST be smart and powerful by nature. I love to toss in a bit of flare and excitement, and surprise, as each chapter rolls into another. The greatest gift in life is making others want to read my work. My newest release, Dreaming Ivy, is a story that will leave you curious with each turn and show the value of time.

Become a new fan of mine. I love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Stop over at my website www.rhondaleecarver.com and enter to win a free pdf of Dreaming Ivy and be the first to enter other contests.

Dreaming Ivy

Can a past love become their future?

The Thorntons' mansion is full of timeless secrets waiting to be unraveled. When small-town journalist Ivy and ghost hunter Max are stuck in the forgotten, dilapidated house, they find more than just a haunting. Ivy finds herself dreaming of the former owners, Marcus Thornton and his lovely wife, Elizabeth. Their profound love was once the talk of the town, and the cause their mysterious, untimely deaths never found. When Ivy's dreams begin to become reality, the mystery starts to unravel and sheds truth on more than just the past.

WARNING: Graphic language, naughty ghosts, a non-committal male, and a love that endures beyond time and death.

Ivy stepped into the corridor. She stopped and listened. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a shadow sweep across the wall. She turned as it disappeared. “Hello?” No answer. She stomped down the hall and burst into the room. “Hello–”

The room was empty.

Ivy swallowed the taste of fright. A shiver raced across her skin. She had seen someone, or had she? She rubbed her eyes. Maybe the shadows were playing tricks on her.

A loud crack in the floor behind her sent Ivy twisting. The sun from the window blinded her. She acted on impulse. She drew her fist back and punched–landing on something solid. The force behind her connection with skin and bone sent her off balance, flailing backward. A hand on her wrist pulled her hard against a steely frame.

She met a dark stare, just as she felt wobbling. The impact of her body had sent him a step back. He lost his balance. Together they fell. The air whooshed from his chest as Ivy landed on top of the stranger.

She closed her eyes and remained still. She wanted nothing more than for the floor to swallow her. Several long seconds floated by. Neither of them said a word. She finally opened her eyes.

Embarrassed and confused, Ivy laid her palms against his shoulders, pushing herself up. She looked directly into his not-so-pleased expression and gulped. Enchanting green eyes, prominent cheekbones, midnight hair…and a pissed-off set to his jaw. She’d made a mistake–a huge one. “Max Shepard.” It wasn’t a question.

He narrowed his eyes. “Ivy Kennedy, journalist and amateur boxer?”

The deep, rich tone of his voice did funny things to the pit of her stomach. His voice wasn’t the only toned part of him. Pressed together gave her an up close and personal testimonial of his physical assets. Broad chest, tight abs to long legs, she could feel tight muscles and a curious bulge. She scooted her hip around the swelling in his jeans. Heat and realization spread through her body.

One corner of his mouth lifted. “It’s my cell.” Could he see straight through her?

“Cell?”

He reached into his pocket and held up his phone. Ivy was certain her skin changed into the perfect color of mortification. She wondered just how bad this could get. Pasting a smile on her face, she said, “Nice to meet you.” The temperature rose between them into the triple digits. Their bodies seemed to melt together. He didn’t look like the pictures she’d seen on the internet. He looked more distinguished in person. “You’re older than I thought,” she blurted.

“Older?”

“Older, in a good way.” She licked her bottom lip and nervously pushed her hair behind her ear. “My mother said I have a bad habit of saying the most awkward things and rambling–” She swallowed. “–like I am now.” She moved slightly.

His zipper started to swell again. Was that another cell phone in his pocket, or… Before her mind could complete the thought, he wrapped his large hands around her waist and lifted her off him. He set her on her feet as he came to stand in front of her. “That’s better,” he said as he backed up. “Damn.” He kicked rug that must have been the reason behind their fall.

He stood there, silent. This was a complete disaster. She’d managed to give him a black eye to match the dark scowl on his face. She needed to start searching for a new job. Marshall would have her head for this.

A Lyrical Press Paranormal Romance

Please come and find me at http://www.facebook.com/#!/rhondalee.carver

other novels: www.lyricalpress.com

Soul Mate Publishing:

An Angel in the Mail by Callie Hutton – May 23

Wild Rose Press:

The Gift of Gray
Jan Romes
Release Date: 5-23-2012
Digital Price: 2.25

Fated For Sacrifice
[Inherited Damnation]
Claire Ashgrove
Release Date: 5-23-2012

Sing to Me, Cowboy
[Honky Tonk Hearts]
Lauri Robinson
Release Date: 5-23-2012

Shanghai Connection
Carol Henry
Release Date: 5-25-2012

Dancing With Velvet
Gwyneth Greer
Release Date: 5-25-2012

In the fourth and final book of my Sweet Awakenings series, Sweet Affliction focuses on Nick Slater, an active duty US Navy SEAL who is weeks away from retirement after serving in the teams for over 20 years. Below is a peek into Nick and AJ's Story.

This book is extra special to me because I have arranged to have 10% of the author royalties on this book will benefit nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing educational assistance and support grants to families of wounded and fallen United States Navy SEALs.

Please remeber to leave a comment as one lucky commentor will receive a free eBook copy of Sweet Affliction.

[Siren Classic: Erotic Contemporary Romance, HEA]

After spending years serving his country as a Navy SEAL, Commander Nick Slater is ready for retirement. Mercenaries hired to kill him ambush him, and his plans take a drastic turn.

AJ Harwood is facing one of the most difficult times of her life. A chance encounter with Nick Slater is the last thing she wants, yet she is thrust into his world and trapped in its surroundings.

AJ is Nick's only hope as he tries to find out who is out to kill him. With each passing day, more secrets are uncovered, and the reason behind the attack is revealed. Nick joins forces with his former teammates to find the person behind the high-priced hit put on all of their heads. As precious time ticks away, Nick and AJ are faced with the possibility that after finding each other, they may lose everything in an instant.

EXCERPTS of PG and ADULT CONTENT can be found by clicking HERE and scrolling down.

DIRECT PURCHASE LINK

In the third book of my Sweet Awakenings series, Sweet Vengeance focuses on Adam Collins, a former US Navy SEAL who is just going through the motions of life. Below is a peek into Adam and Chelsea's Story.

Please remeber to leave a comment as one lucky commentor will receive a free eBook copy of Sweet Vengeance.

[Siren Classic: Erotic Contemporary Romantic Suspense]

Adam Collins is just beginning to put his life back together when he meets Chelsea, his sweet and beautiful next door neighbor. As the two spend more time together, an attraction between them builds.

A nightmare from Adam’s past, that he thought was long ago dead and buried, comes back to life and places him and Chelsea in danger. Enlisting the help of two of his former Navy SEALs team members, Adam must find a way to keep them both safe.

As the danger mounts and passions ignite, one question will remain. Who will be left standing after Sweet Vengeance is served?

For PG and ADULT content excerpts click HERE and scroll down the page.

In the second book of my Sweet Awakenings series, Sweet Salvation focuses on Rex Metcalf, a former US Navy SEAL who is just going through the motions of life. Below is a peek into Rex and Shelby's Story. This is one of my favorites of the series, as it has A LOT of unexpected twists and turns. It was so much fun to write!

Please remeber to leave a comment as one lucky commentor will receive a free eBook copy of Sweet Salvation.

[Siren Allure: Erotic Contemporary Romantic Suspense]

Falling in love with his best friend wasn’t what Rex had intended, but it seemed that when it came to Shelby all bets were off. After a rocky start, the two fall in love, completely unaware of the danger that lurks in the distance.

Plagued with nightmares, Shelby begins to remember memories of abuse she suffered as a teenager, which were long ago buried and forgotten. Dealing with the pain of her past brings her and Rex closer together.

Someone else wants Shelby for himself though and is determined to get her by any means necessary. As he sets his plan into motion, the question of who will survive and who will be destroyed remains unanswered as a surprise from Shelby’s past may be the key to finding Sweet Salvation.

For Excerpts of PG and ADULT content go HERE       DIRECT PURCHASE LINK

In the first book of my Sweet Awakenings series, Sweet Redemption focuses on Jack Peyton, a former US Navy SEAL who is just going through the motions of life. Below is a peek into Jack and Tamara's Story.

Please remeber to leave a comment as one lucky commentor will receive a free eBook copy of Sweet Redemption.

[Siren Allure: Erotic Contemporary Romantic Suspense]

Tamara is in an unsatisfying relationship with her boyfriend, Brent. She is shocked when she learns he has been unfaithful. Seething with the betrayal, Tamara throws herself into a night of passion with the sexy owner of the health club she attends.

Jack, a former Navy SEAL and current health club owner, is wrestling with demons from his past. A former SEAL mission that went horribly wrong has left him struggling with issues of betrayal.

Brent is prepared to do whatever it takes to get Tamara back. His desire for her becomes an obsession that he cannot control. He sets out to destroy anyone that stands in his way. Will Brent succeed? Or will the power of Jack and Tamara’s love give them the courage to fight against an unrelenting evil?

For PG and ADULT content excerpts, please click HERE  and scroll down. DIRECT PURCHASE LINK

Hello everyone and thank you to Coffee Time Romance for having me as a guest here in Coffee Thoughts. I am a Coffee House Author as well, so this seems like the perfect place to talk about my newest release, Sweet Affliction. This book is the 4th in my Sweet Awakenings Series which centers on both former and active U.S. Navy SEALs. As a matter of fact, this book is so brand spanking new that it has been out for less than 3 weeks.

Throughout the day I am going to post excerpts and blurbs for each of the books in the series and give away an eBook copy of each corresponding book. Until then, please feel free to take a peek into my other series, Intimate Temptations. I'll give away one eBook from this series to one lucky commentor (winners choice). Leave your comment below and I will use the highly effective and scientic method of drawing names out of a hat.

Wild Rose Press:

Painting The Roses Red
[The Flower Basket]
Kara Lynn Russell
Release Date: 5-16-2012

A Love of His Own
Linda LaRoque
Release Date: 5-16-2012

Six Thousand Days
Gabriella Lucas
Release Date: 5-16-2012

Santorini Sunset
Claire Croxton
Release Date: 5-18-2012

Crimson Sunrise
Crimson Series
J. A. Saare
Release date 5-18-2012

Thanks for hosting me at Coffee Time Romance today!  I’d love to share with you an excerpt of KARMA that shows the fun chemistry between Dare Barron and the woman of his dreams, Liza McKnight.  I hope you enjoy it!

“Change your grip!” Dare called to fourteen-year-old Charlie Skeets, “Skeeter” for short.

The fourteen-year-old choked up higher on the baseball bat and got into position, waiting for the next pitch.

Dare coached a youth league and this was the end of practice at the field near the lake on the edge of town. All he had left was Charlie’s at bat, a pep talk, and then Dare was out of here for the night.

Ten minutes later, he’d given each kid a summary of their strengths and weaknesses. When he finished, the kids scattered, some walking home together, a few lucky others picked up by their parents.

Dare put his spare equipment into the large duffel he kept in his trunk, hefted the bag over his shoulder, and headed for his car, a black metallic Ford Edge. He tossed the bag into the back and wiped his dusty hands together before slamming the trunk, then walked over to the water fountain and rinsed off his hands.

No sooner had he finished and turned to leave than he collided with a jogger on the sidewalk. He’d raised his hands to block contact and he realized he now braced his palms against a very feminine chest. Soft, round, full breasts molded to his hand.

His body registered that fact and reacted accordingly.

“Sorry,” he muttered, taking a deliberate step back.

“Me too. I wasn’t watching where I was going,” a familiar female voice said.

Startled, Dare glanced up to see Liza pulling the iPod buds out of her ears. “Liza.”

“You,” she said at the same time.

He met her gaze and she blinked, focusing her coffee brown eyes on him. Touching her had nearly knocked him on his ass and her gorgeous eyes almost completed the job. Then there were the damp handprints he’d left on her chest, which he couldn’t stop noticing.

He had to divert his focus or he’d be in big trouble.

“I do have a name other than you,” he reminded her in a teasing voice.

“Officer Barron.” She ducked her head after she spoke.

This shy female was distinctly different from the take-charge woman he was used to seeing at the police station, softer and more approachable.

Dare found himself drawn to her even more. “I meant, I have a first name.” And he wanted to hear her say it.

She lifted her gaze. “Dare.” Her expression was wary but with a hint of a smile on her lips, she teased him with a glimpse of those sexy dimples in her cheeks.

“Better.” He allowed himself to take in her running gear, a pair of black shorts with white piping, a black tank that did little to hide her breasts, and a worn pair of sneakers.

“Do you always jog in the evening?” The sun was setting and he’d prefer she didn’t run here at night.

“No. I usually run in the morning near my house, but I had an early meeting today so I put it off till later.”

He nodded, feeling better about her jog. “Well, then, lucky me. Are you okay? From our collision I mean?”

She nodded. “I’m fine. I should have been watching where I was going, but I was distracted.” A blush stained her cheeks, making him wonder what she’d been thinking about.

“So was I.” He was even more distracted now.

Silence descended and she shifted from foot to foot.

“Well, I should get going,” she murmured.

He paused and before he could think about it, he said, “I was just going to get a slice of pizza. Want to join me?”

Her eyes flickered in surprise.

She couldn’t be any more shocked than he was, since he was scheduled to have dinner at his brother’s house in an hour. But he wasn’t ready to let her go.

“Umm . . .” She seemed to struggle with the decision and he knew he’d bail on the family if it meant the chance to go out with her.

“I can’t tonight. I have to work. I need to put the final touches on a presentation I have in the morning.”

He nodded, understanding but still disappointed. “No problem.”

He wondered if he should take it as an outright rejection, then realized she hadn’t said I can’t. She’d said I can’t tonight.

“Maybe another time then.”

Her eyes widened, as if she couldn’t believe he’d push the issue.

“Maybe,” she said softly.

His heart jump-started inside his chest and his thoughts immediately turned to what Cara had said about turning things around. He’d always judged Liza harshly, but now he’d treated her to the real Dare and she’d softened.

“Can I walk you anywhere?” he asked, reluctant to let her leave.

She shook her head. “My car’s parked by my office,” she said, pointing down the tree-lined street.

“Be careful.”

“Always,” she said and treated him to a full-fledged genuine smile.

As he watched her jog toward her office, he realized something had shifted between them. And suddenly it didn’t matter who her brother was or what he’d done, Dare needed to get to know Liza better.

N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 30 romance novels with contemporary characters and small town settings that today's readers identify with and enjoy.  She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom to two daughters (16 and20!) and two crazy dogs (a 1 year old Havanese named Brady and a 4 year old wheaten terrier named Bailey).  In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.   Carly lives in Purchase, New York and would love for you to like and follow her on the ‘Net!

Find Carly on the web:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

First prize is a one-year subscription to the Romantic Times Book
Review. 

Second prize is a paperback copy of my vampire romance, "One More
Tomorrow." 

Third prize is a pdf copy of my romantic fantasy novella,
"Midnight  for Morgana."

Answers can be found at my website 

Send the answers to Mshirley1496@aol.com

1. In "Destined to Love" what war takes place in this historical romance?
2. Who is the hero of "Dream Weaver"?
3. In "Forbidden Love" what is Owen's occupation?
4. "Midnight for Morgana"--name the prince.
5. Name the kingdom in "Night Secrets."
6. In "Night Shadows" who loves Fianna for herself?
7. "Name the hero of "One More Tomorrow"
8. Who is the hero of "The Princess and the Curse"?
9. In "The Sacrifice" who has loved Briana for  years?

Contest runs through Sunday, May 20. Good luck!

We had a great time yesterday! Authors will be contacting their winners, but we wanted to let everyone know who won the CTR gift certificates and, of course, our grand prize winner of the Nook, donated by the lovely Grace Burrowes.

First, the three winners of the $5 GC

Diane Diamond

novellynice.blogspot.com/

bn100

Congratulations, ladies!!

Now, for our grand prize a Nook reader, drum roll please…Jess W. You lucky girl!

Winners, be sure to keep your eyes out for an email notifying you of your win. And everyone else, don't despair. Remember, the participating authors will be contacting their winners, so you all still have a chance at winning some of the great books being given away.

Catherine couldn't be here today, but she wanted to wish Coffee Time Romance a happy birthday! She is celebrating with us by giving away two copies of her most recent release.

A decorated hero, pararescueman Liam McCabe lives to serve. Six months ago, he and Rachel Flores met in the horrific aftermath of an earthquake in the Bahamas. They were tempted by an explosive attraction, yet parted ways. Still, Liam has thought about Rachel every day—and night—since.

Now, after ignoring all his phone calls for six months, Rachel has turned up on base with a wild story about a high-ranking military traitor. She claims no one but Liam can help her—and she won’t trust anyone else.

With nothing but her word and the testimony of a discharged military cop to go on, Liam would be insane to risk his career—even his life—to help this woman who left him in the dust.

Oh yeah, now that's a cover!

Catherine is giving away two print copies of this fabulous book. Leave a comment to be in the drawing.

Check out more of Catherine's books at her website.

NOTE: US AND CANADIAN ENTRIES ONLY.

Happy Anniversary, CTR! My career started the same year as Coffee Time–2004.

I've pretty much always wanted to be a romance author. When I was twelve, I wrote a report for class that said I aspired to be a romance novelist. Thankfully my teacher, a rather somber man, pulled me aside after class and told me to go for it. He said I had a gift with words and that I shouldn't lose sight of writing as a career. I can't remember his name now, but I'm so grateful for his support and kind words.

Still, I did lose sight of writing for a while. I graduated, started working, and eventually joined the military. When I returned to civilian life, I got married and had two children. It wasn't until October 2003 that I had a moment while my children were napping to think about what I was going to do once both my kids were in school all day. I wanted to go back to work and it seemed the perfect opportunity to start over again. I was reminded of my long ago dream to write and I sat down at my computer to get started.

In the summer of 2004, Lori Foster held the Brava Novella Contest, in which the prize was publication with Kensington Books. I submitted an entry, was selected by Lori as a finalist, and ended up the Readers' Choice Winner with a publishing contract. Now, here it is eight years later, and my latest novel, Bared to You, is on both the New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. I look back and wonder how it is that I ended up where I am now. It seems so surreal and I feel very blessed.

To celebrate eight wonderful years of doing what I love, I'll give away eight books to eight commenters–one book each. Winners choice of a Kindle or Nook copy of Bared to You OR a Kindle or Nook copy of A Caress of Wings (releasing June 5th).

Happy Anniversary, CTR! I'm so happy to have been part of the CTR family this past year, and I'm looking forward to many fabulous years ahead!

Looking back to CTR's first year, 2004 — or any year, for that matter — I always wind up thinking, "Time and again…" Why? Well, I'm a creature of habit who routinely needs a new adventure since I get bored pretty quickly with the status quo — but I need that routine to keep my butt grounded and productive. Otherwise, I'd spend all my time quite content in my own little worlds — and my kids would have starved before they reached their teen years So, for me, that expression "time and again" serves as a reminder that living this life where I love my routine is a great gift, not a bore at all.

In 2004, I was writing as a means to make myself happy, to collect my thoughts, to let those voices in my head out before they did neurological damage…;) This I'd been doing since I was nine years old.  Writing was a part of my daily routine. By the Fall of 2010, given the rise of e-publishing, I decided to send a manuscript out. That initial acceptance forever changed my routine: now I'm here today, my isolated, happy writing-for-myself gig more open and public with each contract. Me and promo getting along…who woulda thunk that even a year ago…!

What a whirlwind from July 2011 and my first release, UNSTRUNG, to November 2011 and the release of BENDING TYME,  to now, with the release on my third novella, SOUNDING THE DEPTHS, scheduled later this month — and my fourth, AFLAME IN CAMELOT, coming in July 2012! One of my closest friends, who believes I am much too hard on myself, bless him, often reminds me to look at my accomplishments when I look back in time rather than fret about whatever fell along the wayside. Time and again in the past, I've ignored his advice, but given how much fun I've been having since last July…well, today, I'm looking forward to even more cool stuff happenin' with these people in my head between now and July 2013!

Here's to looking at all that CTR has done for so many authors in the past — but, more importantly, here's to another upcoming year of great success and a helluva lot of fun getting there!

* * *

About SOUNDING THE DEPTHS

Ethan Gray, former sailor on a nuclear submarine with the Royal Navy, arrives in California to work on a technical paper with a military recruiter, an acquaintance who introduces him to the elusive Josh Bennett. Back in Cali a few weeks later to attend a five-day party, a commitment ceremony for two friends, one with whom he served in Iraq, Ethan again runs into one Joshua Bennett, an explosive ordnance expert in the United States Navy and veteran of two Iraq tours, just returned from a third year he volunteered to spend in Afghanistan: this, an unexpected decision he remains loath to discuss even with the few closest to him. While Ethan’s initial encounters with Josh leave the easy-going, confident British sailor in love for the first time, the tight control Josh maintains in his professional and personal lives leaves him reluctant to ever fall in love again. To win Josh, Ethan must help this man who captured his heart heal his own and leave his dark past behind him. With some persistent interference from Josh’s feisty twin sister Lana – and a specific gay-friendly phone app – can Ethan convince Josh to drop his defenses and let love in? Or is this British sailor out of his depth?

* * *

E-BOOK GIVE-A-WAY!

To celebrate CTR's Anniversary and the release of my sexy sailor story on 21 May with Total-E-Bound, I'm giving away a free pdf copy of SOUNDING THE DEPTHS to one reader who shares: what's one special — maybe unexpected! — accomplishment that's made you happy and proud since 2004?

* * *

Thanks for stopping by, all — and, once again, Happy Anniversary, CTR!

Maria-Claire

http://www.maria-clairepayne.com

If anyone knows about birthdays, it’s me.  As an author, I’ve had three of them.

Glynnis Campbell was born in 2000.  Sarah McKerrigan was born in 2004.  Kira Morgan was born in 2010.

My husband tells people he’s on his third wife.  Thankfully, Coffee Time Romance has always been there for me, no matter what my AKA!

Well, this year, Glynnis Campbell has killed off the other imposters and emerged from witness protection.  I’m celebrating my return in 2012 by e-publishing my very first historical romance trilogy, The Knights of de Ware: MY CHAMPION, MY WARRIOR, and MY HERO, and offering up a brand new Scottish medieval, PASSION’S EXILE!

Here’s the teaser:

The Canterbury Tales with a Scottish twist…Blade, a self-exiled mercenary haunted by his tragic past, meets Rose, an intrepid runaway bride seeking refuge as a nun.  Blade has 10 days to convince Rose she isn’t convent material.  Rose has 10 days to convince Blade he’s worthy of redemption.  Together they have 10 days to uncover two assassins, foil a gang of kidnappers, dodge a vindictive bridegroom, and fall in love.

As a special re-birthday present and to commemorate PASSION’S EXILE (book #10), I’m running a sweepstakes on my website through the end of May, giving away over $150 in prizes to 10 lucky winners!  Come to www.glynnis.net to enter.

So what exactly does the rebirth of Glynnis Campbell mean?  More books.  Different books.  Books of my heart.  And a more personal relationship with readers since I’ll be easy to find!

My website is www.glynnis.net.

My Facebook account is www.facebook.com/glynnis.campbell.

My Twitter is www.twitter.com/GlynnisCampbell.

No more hunting me down.  And my husband can go back to his first wife.

A Beautiful Journey of Memories Through The Pages

I want to start off by saying Happy Anniversary to Coffee Time Romance. Wow 8 years already. Time just ran away so fast.

For those of you who don’t know my, my name is Savannah Chase and I write erotic romance. *Waves hello*

I want to thank CTR for letting be a guest on their blog today. It is so wonderful to be here.

When Coffee Time Romance opened their doors I was still a lurking writer. Nobody knew my name or even that I existed. I was learning about myself and the path I’ve taken in my life, which was to write.  I’d never told anyone about my writing or how much I loved to express myself in the form of words and stories. It was my very own secret. I had no idea about publishing, or anything that existed in this bold new world. Honestly, I had no idea I could publish a book. I never gave it any thought about writing a book to have out there for the world to read. All I knew is that I wanted to write, to create and to weave stories about the things that inspired me and fed my crazy imagination. It was my way to flourish.

I took the plunge in 2007 and stepped out into the open. I discovered a whole world on the internet where I learned about publishing, learning the craft, sharing your work with others. My big leap out there was in the form of short stories that I’d written for a site that is no longer around. The site was called The Pink Chair Diaries. I will admit it was scary. I was terrified of showing myself and everyone something that I’ve written. To top it all off it was something in the form of erotic romance. People knew me as the shy quiet type who was far from writing stuff like erotic romance. They always say you should watch out for the quiet ones. That is so right. I was one of them and look at me now.

After that big step I continued to learn and grow and took another big leap and submitted something to a huge New York publisher. I laugh at it now because at that time I thought it was the single most brilliant thing I’d ever created. Oh boy. I was so very wrong. I cringe when I think back about sending the book out there, but it did teach me rejection and it pushed me to continue to learn and improve my craft. I wrote and studied. I took my writing to a whole new level.

When I resubmitted something again for publishing it was the book was Bid for Love. The publisher had accepted the work along with two other books. It was the happiest day of my life. I’d finally done it. I would be getting published. But that did not last long. Before things could really take off for me I was hit with a devastating blow. A blow that I never expected, especially so early in my career. My publisher was closing its doors. My book would be no more and the other two would not even see the light of day. We had managed to get as far as cover art. That was truly hard and something I survived. I didn’t give up. I think the whole experience made me stronger and kicked my butt into working even harder than before. As for my book, Bid for Love found a new home, Lyrical Press where it has been published since 2008. Special Delivery- one of the other books- also found a home with Ravenous Romance where it was published in the Men In Shorts: An Erotic Anthology. As for the third book, I decided to give it a overhaul and change the story in a whole new direction. Hopefully I will release it soon.

Now it’s 2012 and to this date I’ve published ten plus books with multiple houses. Some are stand alone stories, and others are anthologies that I’ve been fortunate to be a part of. I still get nervous when I write a new book and send it out to my publisher or a new house. You never get use to rejection and there are always nerves. The anticipation and waiting for a reply is like a rollercoaster ride. You spend so much time creating and bringing a story to life that you might think is wonderful but someone might not agree.

I’ve learned a lot from the time I first stepped out till now. I’ve also taken many chances and steps in my writing career. Recently I’ve decided to dive into Indie/Self publishing world as well. My first try at putting something out on my own is a free short story called Lovers Moan.

I still continue to learn and grow even with the bumps that come and go.  This industry continues to advance at such a quick pace. You need to keep up and evolve not only as an author but as a person. When I look back at all of my books I can see where I was in my career at the time. Each book is like a memory, a photo album of the person I’ve come to be.

I’ve also been so fortunate and blessed to meet so many amazing authors and all in all book lovers. Coffee Time Romance has been an amazing part of my author journey. I look forward to the future and what it holds for me, and I hope that CTR will continue to be in my author career.

If you would love to find out more about my or my work you can visit me at

Official Site http://savannahchase.com/

Official Blog http://savannahchase.com/blog/

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/savannahchase

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/savannahchase

Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/SavannahChaseFanPage

I will be giving away an ebook copy of Unwrap Me to one lucky winner…

Good luck

Stay naughty,

Savannah

Congrats CTR on your 8th anniversary!! May you have many more to come!

My career was just getting going in '04, and I enjoyed many a review from Coffee Time. I was always pleased to see those steaming coffee cups!

For me, 2004 looked like this:  Two historical romances published at Leisure (one of which, The Pirate Next Door is available again, new and improved, and re-released by me just last month–see http://www.jennifersromances.com).

The books were doing okay for Leisure books, but I was making pittance (I mean  pittance. Seriously).

I noticed whenever I went to a conference that the ebook-first authors, particularly those at Ellora’s Cave, always seemed to be having a good time. Curious, I met some of the authors, learned all about EC, read some books, and decided I wanted to try writing for them.

The result was Tales of the Shareem: Rees, which was published under my Allyson James pseudonym early in 2005. Coffee Time reviewed it, many readers liked it, and it was a success! That encouraged me to keep writing the series, which I am still writing (Justin, book 8 came out in Feb on Kindle, Nook, Smashwords, All Romance Ebooks, and print: see http://www.allysonjames.com).

Meanwhile, my print career started to take off and . . . time went by. I’m now the author of about forty books, have hit the New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists, have been nominated for and won RITA awards from RWA, and have published with Leisure (Dorchester), Berkley, and Ellora’s Cave.

Lately, I’ve done some independent publishing (though I’m still with Berkley and Ellora’s Cave), re-releasing an out of print mystery series (the Captain Lacey Regency mysteries http://www.gardnermysteries.com), books linked to Jennifer Ashley print series (e.g., Bodyguard, http://www.jennifersromances.com), more Shareem plus the Stormwalker series (http://www.allysonjames.com) and more to come! I’m having the best time indie pubbing!

So, I’ve come a long, long way since 2004. A good way. A lot happened in my personal life that wasn’t as good (losing my dad being the worst thing), but that’s the way life goes. Good and bad, happy and sad, all mixed together and hard to separate.

Congrats to Coffee Time for the long way they’ve come, and may you have another decade of success!

Now to the good part: Winning books! Reader’s choice! Tell me which book of mine you’d like to win, post a comment (telling me which book and why), and a winner will be picked (totally random).  Don’t know what I’ve written? A big, fat list of all my books (under all names) is here:

http://www.jennifersromances.com/NewSite/seriesorder.html

Jennifer Ashley

http://www.jennifersromances.com

aka Allyson James

http://www.allysonjames.com

aka Ashley Gardner

http://www.gardnermysteries.com

When Coffee Time Romance was just opening its doors in 2004, I was sitting in a Borders bookstore reading my very first chick lit/women's fiction/romance book – Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. I couldn't remember the last time I read a book that wasn't considered required reading for college, but when my boyfriend started working at Borders, my love of books and reading was reawakened. It was Something Borrowed that threw the flood gates in my mind wide open again, followed by The Queens of Woodlawn Avenue by Regina Hale Sutherland, Invitation to Provence by Elizabeth Adler, Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson, and finally Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels. These titles hold a permanent place on my Kindle and I read these books twice a year.

But that was then… Since then, I started a book review blog called Fire Pages and have read books that are not considered required reading every day since 2004. However, when I thought about the "then and now" theme of this spectacular bash, I realized that I have not added to my personal "must reread" collection; I'm still holding on to the same "then" stash of titles. Well, that's what I'm doing now – allowing my personal collection to grow with me. And I'm giving away the first four books that I've added to my "must reread" collection who now hold a place on my Kindle with Brenda Jackson, B.J. Daniels, Elizabeth Adler, Regina Hale Sutherland, and Emily Giffin. Below you will find the titles and blurbs. Leave a comment to win one of these fantastic titles. These giveaways are U.S. only.

A Knight of Passion by Tarah Scott (Digital copy)

Lady Riana Ellis will risk the fires of Hell for those she loves. Can she let a man do the same for her?

As whore for the Duchess of Arundel, Lady Riana Ellis keeps her sister safe from the duke’s lascivious desires. But the duchess now demands that Riana murder the man already sent to her bed.

But the wrong knight arrives.

Time is running out. Riana has set into motion the downfall of the duke and duchess. If she and her sister don’t escape, they’ll be crushed when Arundel falls. To ensure her sister’s freedom, Riana must give the performance of her life and fool the man in her bed…and the woman watching them.

Sir Bryant Cullen determines to have the duchess’ whore. Her land is a prize, but it’s her secrets he wants. Once he knows what she knows, he will control one of the most powerful houses in Scotland. And she will be his.

But Riana waits for no man to save her, trusts no man-no matter how much he sets her body on fire. When Sir Bryant puts his life on the line for her, how will she stop his sacrifice?

Private Pleasures by Bertrice Small (Paperback Copy)

Don't get mad, get cable. Fiftyish, foolish Nora Buckley, devoted doormat to husband Jeff, just found out that the lout's leaving her for a younger woman. So what's she going to do without his footprints on her face? Gather round, female friends of suburban Ansley Court, and offer sage counsel on wising up, getting a lawyer, establishing credit in your own name, and other practical matters. Unfaithful husbands are a fact of life, and now that the kids have left home and the dog has died, it's time to get down and dirty with the mysterious interactive service for sex-starved women known as The Channel. Here, Nora meets Kyle, an imaginary stud whose supersize penis and indefatigable willingness to please don't remind her one bit of mean old Jeff. Strike a Faustian bargain with the cable company? Why not, says satisfied Nora. Let Jeff rot in hell, and pass the remote.

Rough Play by Christina Crooks (Paperback Copy)

After escaping her sexually dominant husband, dating coach Charlotte is ready to play it safe. But when her client, Gail, disappears after visiting a fetish-oriented club called Subspace, Charlotte must enter the erotic underworld to find out what happened to her.

Club owner Master Martin is willing to help Charlotte—as long as she agrees to a little role-playing. As Charlotte slowly surrenders to Martin's sensual enticements, she finds that her penchant for submission is more intense than ever. But at the same time, as her search for Gail leads her deep inside Subspace's catacombs, Charlotte fears it may already be too late to save Gail. . .or herself.

Your Boyfriend & Other Guys I've Kissed by Totally Tyler (Paperback Copy)

In the tradition of David Sedaris and Carrie Bradshaw, party boy blogger Totally Tyler hilariously navigates his way through the gay Atlanta dating scene – one lemon drop martini at a time. Sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, always poignant, Totally Tyler weaves triumphant and tragic tales of tail.

In this, his first collection of stories, Totally Tyler explores why they call it the Dirty South by dishing on the ones who got away, the ones who should’ve stayed away and why the Queen of the Queens (Madonna, of course) rules his world. Pour a cocktail, pull up a seat and buckle up – these bedtime stories promise to be bumpy rides.

Happy Birthday CTR & Happy Reading!

Zee