Is it Hot Yet? Yes it is and Getting Hotter!

Ahhhh yes. That's my little ode to summer! I swear peeps, I'm DYIN'. Summer is not my favorite season and at the moment it is all made worse by a big move for my daughter. This morning I'm heading out with the family and making another two and a half hour drive to Lubbock, Texas to move my darling daughter's stuff into her new place. Should I wear make up or not? Ah hell. Don't want to scare anyone so I reckon I'll do it though I figure most will be melted plumb off my noon.

The things we do for love, huh?

Speaking of HOT! Smokin' HOT!!!! You just have to pick up Nicole Austin's sexy contribution to the Cougar Challenge series. It's up at Ellora's Cave today and you just don't want to miss this wicked cougar tale.

Buy it HERE!

Blurb:

A standalone title in the Cougar Challenge series.

With the big four-oh looming, Larissa Cross is more than ready to shed the roles that have defined her and make drastic changes. Gone are the widowed Army wife, soccer mom and empty nester. She’s even setting aside the schoolteacher until fall.

A naughty challenge issued by fellow erotic romance booklovers on their blog, Tempt the Cougar, has come at the perfect time and ignited Rissa’s competitive drive. It’s going to be a glorious summer full of hot younger man lovin’ for a new cougar on the prowl. Rawr!

Tattooed and pierced fireman JD Harmon is tempting prey but there’s much more to the hunk than his bad boy good looks. A one-night stand isn’t in his plans, and sex—no matter how mind-blowing—won’t distract him from his goals. JD intends to tame the wicked cougar and stake a claim on her heart.


An Excerpt From: SUMMER OF THE COUGAR

Copyright © NICOLE AUSTIN, 2010

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

The spicy scent of chorizo and onions grilling in the skillet had her stomach growling. She scrambled in some eggs and raisins then the completed dish went into the warm oven along with a plate of fresh tortillas. Earlier she’d made salsa and set the table. But she was hungry for more than food. Rissa had every intention of getting JD on the menu.

She headed for her laptop to check email when someone knocked on the door. Glancing at the clock she noted how fast he’d made the drive. She started talking as she opened the door. “Wow, you made good ti—”

The sight of JD waiting on her doorstep, smiling at her broadly, had the words dying in her dry throat as Rissa nearly swallowed her tongue. She’d imagined how he’d look out of the uniform. Her imagination had nothing on reality.

Washed so many times the material was nearly threadbare, his blue T-shirt bore the fire department emblem and lovingly conformed to his chiseled torso. Intricate lines of a black tattoo that accentuated his huge biceps disappeared under his left sleeve. She longed to trace all those twisting, twirling lines with the tip of her tongue, and contemplated how much skin they covered.

He’d tucked the shirt into a faded pair of low-riding shorts that failed to disguise the thick bulge that extended all the way to his left hip. Saliva flooded her mouth and she wondered how he’d taste. Her breasts felt swollen and heavy, and with each ragged breath her rock-hard nipples rasped against her top. Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, Rissa realized more than her mouth had gotten wet.

“Damn, honey. You’re even more beautiful than I remembered.”

He lifted his right hand and held out a red fire extinguisher bearing a festive streamer of multicolored ribbons. How had she failed to notice the large red cylinder dangling from his fist? “I brought you a present.”

“Um…thanks.” Rather unique gift.

“When you get another car, I want you to put that in the trunk so I’ll know you’re safe.”

Awww!

The sweet gesture left her speechless. For several long moments she stared into his dark eyes. Reflected in their depths she saw the potential for a future. A long-lasting relationship.

Rissa shook her head to dispel the rather disturbing idea. She wanted to live, have fun, sample all the different flavors she’d never tasted—not tie herself to one man. No matter how sweet and sexy and thoughtful he might be.

Breakfast. They were supposed to be having breakfast.

“Come on in.” Stepping back from the door, she allowed him to enter her home. Not sure what else to do with it, she put his gift in the hall closet. Turning back toward him, she said, “I hope you’re hungry. I cooked—”

The breath rushed from her lungs as her back came up against the wall. Warmth and JD’s masculine scent enveloped her as his hard body fitted against her soft curves. It was a glorious fit. His body caged hers and his fingers bracketed her face, holding her in place.

“I’m starved.” His voice rumbled close to her ear. “For you.” Then his lips, soft yet firm, brushed along her jaw, moving slowly toward her mouth. She could have ducked or turned her head away. Longing for his kiss, she did neither. At the first touch of his lips to hers, Rissa spontaneously combusted. Fire raced across her skin and her blood turned to molten lava. From head to toe she burned and her toes curled into the carpet.

Dios, she might need that fire extinguisher to put out the flames.

He claimed her mouth in a scorching hot kiss and her lips opened wide, inviting him inside. JD accepted her summons. His tongue thrust into her mouth, slid against hers and she moaned as his bold and sweet taste washed over her like warm, delicious honey. Without conscious thought, she wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him.

JD took over, exploring her mouth with his tongue, drinking down her needy moans and whimpers. Her breasts were crushed against his chest and everywhere they touched, from shoulder to knee, his body heat left a wake of desire licking at her skin.

She had never been so thoroughly and completely kissed. And if the shudders that shook his body were any indication, she wasn’t alone. Their kiss had the same potent effect on him.

The heady mating of their mouths ended way too soon. Resting his forehead against hers, JD stared into her eyes as they both struggled to find solid footing. Her body hummed with desire, aching and ready for more. She wanted so much more.

“Damn, baby,” he panted. “You’re burning me alive.”

Burning him? He’s the one who started the inferno. He damn well needed to do something other than stare at her. Preferably something involving the long, thick erection that had left its impression branded over her abdomen.

“Now that we have the first kiss out of the way, we can relax and enjoy breakfast.”

Best Books I've Read...Lately!

Yes, I'm still away, still enjoying time with my family. I'll be back next week to tell you all about Maine. For now I thought I'd share my three favorite recent reads.

First up, the fourth installment in the Feral Warriors series "Rapture Untamed". Jag's story is HOT and the best yet. I was worried when I picked it up. Jag has been a favorite of mine from book one. I didn't want his story to get screwed up. Palmer didn't disapoint!

Blurb:

The most combative - and tormented - of all the Ferals, Jag is a predator who hunts alone - until daemons terrorize the human population. To stop them, he partners with Olivia, a flame-haired Therian temptress as strong as she is beautiful. But Olivia is no ordinary immortal. The survivor of a vicious supernatural attack, she possesses a deadly and forbidden skill - one that must remain hidden, especially from the powerful Feral Warriors.

As Jag and Olivia's sensual dance of dominance and seduction gets wilder and hotter, a dark force sets its sights on Olivia, threatening to destroy everything she has vowed to protect. And the only one who can save her soul is the arrogant jaguar shifter she lusts for but dares not love.

"Bonds of Justice" is the next in her riveting Psy-changeling series. If you've read these books then you already know how addicting this series is. Singh has done a superb job of building her world. So much so that I WISH I was a part of it. With Bonds of Justice I was concerned. I didn't see how these two character were going to get their HEA. But, have no fear, they do! :)

Blurb:

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor’s closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of a catastrophic mental fracture…

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max’s liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people’s nightmares, other people’s evil, she’s standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury…and executioner…

Last but not least, Lacey' Savage's "Fighting Chance". I LOVED this story. The hero has just the right mix of alpha and tenderness. The heroine is intelligent and strong-willed. They are a great match. My only problem. This is supposed to be the start of a series, but it seems the author didn't write the other two brothers' stories. I'm so upset about that because I was really getting into these guys!

Blurb:

If Tristan Chance believed in curses…

He never would have denied his brother’s claims that the Chance men are cursed to watch their soul mates perish, powerless to stop destiny from claiming them.

And he wouldn’t have questioned the truth of his body’s response to Lara Montgomery, a woman who calls to every aspect of his dark, sensual nature. After all, he’s been alive for three hundred years, and in all that time he’s never felt such an irresistible pull toward anyone. Yet each time he sees Lara, he wants nothing more than to rip those prim and proper accountant clothes off her body and reveal the sultry vixen he knows hides beneath…

And he definitely wouldn’t have acted on his tempestuous arousal if he had known the family curse would put Lara’s life in danger.

But even alpha vampires can be wrong. Tristan might be stubborn, but he’s not reckless. One bite, one taste, and he knows he can’t let her go. Tristan will do everything in his power to keep Lara by his side, even if it means taking on fate itself.

So, those are my three favorite reads...for now. I'm sure next week, next month, I have more to add to that pile. LOL

And don't forget, August 3rd, my very own "What She Wants" releases with Samhain. I can't wait!!

*Taps mic* Is this thing on?

LOL. Things have been really quiet around the web lately. Seems like everyone is on vacations, at conferences, or been locked tight in their writing cave like I have. I think that's normal for the summer. That sunshine is calling our names or its just too hot so we stay inside to get some work done. It always makes me realize how much I love chatting with my online friends, writers and readers. I don't realize how much that interaction is a nice little break from the day to day life.

I've been polishing up the book I finished a while back. I've written and rewritten my query letter about a million times. A few queries have gone out so far and now the waiting game begins. I've started a new book while I'm waiting and its a little different for me so I have to take a completely different approach to it. I've been plotting the whole thing out before hand. I'm usually a very, loose plotter and I always get a few chapters in before I do any plotting. I don't know why, but it helps me just to write and see what direction the story will take me, but I'm afraid with this one, I'll write myself into a corner so plot I shall. It's kind of exciting...seeing that plot and knowing which route I will take.

How's this summer been for you? More about work or play?

Accumulating Stuff

Feels like summer is almost over and I've done NOTHING fun. Anne is currently on vacation and I'm so jealous. I know she and her crew are having a blast. As for me? Seems the summer has been nothing but dealing with things that are soooo not fun. Last weekend, I went to the South Plains of Texas and helped my daughter move from her apartment. She is moving into a new place just a few blocks away. Two of her roomates graduated or made other plans and that left her and another roommate in a four bedroom place. My daughter and her friend have found a nice two bedroom/two bath. So yep. Time to collect boxes full of stuff. Toss the worthless and load the rest.

While sweating our butts off packing things up, she often commented about all the 'crap' she had. Funny how we never realize what we've accumulated until it's time to move it all. I told her to get used to it because sometimes life feels like a series of 'moves'. Some of good, exciting, and others are just a drag. My biggest move was when we bought our current home. We were a young couple with a three year old and really didn't have much. We marvelled at all the cabinet space (many, many were empty for awhile). Now, after twenty years we have filled those empty spaces and it didn't take all that long. The thought of moving from here makes me shudder. Anyway, now I'm recuperating from all the lifting and toting and we'll head back next weekend to move her stuff into the new place. I predict it will be hot, tiring but we'll manage to have some fun, too.

In other news, Eagle's Refuge (Ellora's Cave, June) won Sweetheart Book of the Week at The Romance Studio. So if you voted, thank you, thank you.


Book three in the Texas Passions series.

When Callista Hill settles in tiny Morgan’s Creek, she vows to make a better life for herself. She never figured lust and screaming-hot orgasms were part of the equation. One look at the local bar owner and she’s flooded with the need to have him in her bed. He burns her to ash with every erotic touch, bringing her sex-starved body achingly to life.

The instant dark, moody Mac Moreno claps eyes on Callie, he knows he wants her. Her lush curves turn him inside out and have his libido racing from zero to sixty in three seconds flat. Burning up the sheets with this sassy, sweet lady brings him back to life. But when her stalking ex hunts her down, will Callie run?

Not if Mac can help it.

Buy it HERE!

Hunks

Right now I'm in Bar Harbor, Maine. I'm probably hiking, boating, shopping, or generally just having fun NOT working! But that doesn't mean you all should suffer! So, here are a few hunks to make up for the fact that it's yet another manic Monday for some of you!

I'll see you all next week, with pictures! *g*

What She Wants--Hot NEW excerpt!

Since I'm going to be on vacation all next week I figured now would be a good time to share a STEAMY excerpt of my upcoming (August 3rd) Samhain release. *grin*

“What She Wants” by Anne Rainey
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Red Hots!

ISBN: 978-1-60928-144-1
Length: Short Story
Price: 2.50,
Publication Date: August 3, 2010
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

Summer just got a whole lot hotter…

Summer Chase has already loved and lost once and she has no intention of going through that pain again. But when a hunky Camaro-driving P.I. shows up at her B & B looking for a room for the week, she sees something more than a hard-bodied guest. For the first time since her husband’s death, Summer’s sexual interest is awakening, and she’s not about to hit the snooze button!

Gage Knight is a P.I. in desperate need of a vacation. His impromptu trip to Cape May, New Jersey, seems just what he needs to relax and unwind. But when he knocks on the door of Chase’s Bed & Breakfast and comes face to face with sexy owner, Summer Chase, relaxing drops to the bottom of his to-do list. Now all he wants is a tasty Summer treat, and he plans to take his time, savoring the curvaceous beauty one inch at a time.

Question is…can she watch Gage drive off into the sunset when the week comes to an end?

Warning: This story contains a hard-as-nails, ornery, demanding, tattooed PI eager to please, a widow ready to get back to the business of living and loving, and the kind of hot summer sex that you just might want to bookmark for later.

Excerpt (adult):

Gage leaned toward her, and Summer’s heart sped up. When his lips were mere inches from hers, he murmured, “I want you. I’ve been telling myself all evening to give you a sweet kiss at your door, to leave you alone. All I can think about right now is getting inside you.”

It was now or never, Summer decided. “Kiss me, Gage, then we’ll see what happens.”

“Mmm, your wish is my command.” His lips covered hers, and Summer melted.

He was so tender and warm as he coasted his tongue over her lips. She sighed and parted for him. Taking his time, Gage slipped inside and tasted her as if he had forever. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in deeper, suddenly edgy for everything. A groan rumbled from deep inside his chest. She became aware of his warm palm against her bare flesh beneath her tank, inching upward until the caress of his thumb over her silk-covered breast had her body vibrating with need. Summer whimpered, and Gage lifted his head, his gaze zeroing in on the center console.

As they both caught their breath, Gage recovered first. “I think we’ve gone as far as we can in this car.”

Embarrassed over her hedonistic reaction to a simple kiss, Summer straightened away and smoothed down her tank with shaky fingers. “I think you’re right.”

His strong hand cupped her chin and coaxed her gaze back to his. “Second thoughts?”

Summer wanted to feel alive, to feel like a woman again. Experiencing something besides fear over her future and sadness over lost dreams wasn’t something she would pass up. “No second thoughts.”

Gage leaned over and branded her lips with his possessive heat. Just as quickly, he was out of the car and coming around to her side. Summer’s nerves vibrated. Energy pulsed through her veins. Within minutes, they were cocooned in the privacy of his suite. Her anxiety over not having had sex for the past two years welled up and threatened to consume her.

But Gage had no reservations, not if the need in his eyes and the upward tilt of his lips were any indication. He locked the door and moved toward her. As he came to stand only inches away, he murmured, “Don’t be afraid, baby.”

Hearing his deep, masculine voice, so calm and relaxed, caused her own daring confidence to surface. “I’m not afraid. Well, maybe I’m a little afraid,” Summer confirmed as she stared up at him.

He closed the space between them and took her into the warm, solid comfort of his arms. “I thought as much, but you don’t have to be. Not with me. I’m going to make you feel so damn hot.” He brushed his lips over the top of her head. The gentleness of his bare touch stirred her clear to her toes.

Summer pushed out of his arms, gripped the hem of her tank and yanked it over her head. She dropped it to the floor. Her bra went next. She left her shorts on and stood perfectly still, resisting the urge to cringe and cover herself while his dark gaze roamed greedily over her torso.


“Damn.” Gage couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. She was perfect. She was his dream woman and then some. Her breasts were large, firm, round pillows of creamy flesh. Christ Almighty, he could get lost for a decade playing with Summer’s bountiful swells. He ached to taste her rosy-tipped nipples. Lick and bite and suck until his heart’s content.

His hand reached out of its own volition and stroked over one turgid peak. She shivered, and he was lost. He stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her lower back and drew her up against his chest, pressing and flattening her pretty tits against his T-shirt, driving himself crazy with the feel of her. As he took possession of her mouth, Gage lost all sense of calm at the sweet flavor of her lips.
He drank in her moan of excitement and licked at her full lower lip. He’d thought about tasting her everywhere. Imagined it from the moment he’d laid eyes on the tempting beauty. Now she was here, in his arms, clutching at him with eager abandonment.

Slow the fuck down. She was trusting him with something special. Something she hadn’t given another man in two long years. The thought gave him a possessive kind of pleasure. He wouldn’t disappoint her. He would stroke and play, satisfy her every which way he could think to satisfy a woman. Knowing just how snug she’d be when he entered her the first time made his cock swell painfully.

“Open for me, baby,” Gage groaned against her mouth. She did as he commanded. He took advantage, slipping into the wet warmth, tasting and swirling his tongue over and around hers, sipping at her with a kind of crazy fever that went beyond anything he’d ever felt. When she whimpered and drew her arms around his neck Gage felt the last thread on his control snap.

Keeping his lips firmly against hers, Gage bent and hooked his arm behind her knees. Lifting her into his arms, he cradled her nude upper body close. He wanted her completely bare. He wanted to see all of her, from head to toe, so he could work his tongue over her, inch by slow delectable inch.

As Gage laid her out on the quilt and broke the kiss, he snagged her gaze. The warm whiskey shade had changed once again. Now they were dark, almost the shade of milk chocolate, and he could easily drown in their unruly depths. His jaw locked against the need to rip her shorts and panties down her legs and take her. Hard. Fast. To hell with being gentle.

He smoothed his palm over his shaven head and made one last attempt to take it slow, to make it good for Summer. As he watched, she licked her lips and shifted restlessly on the bed. The taut peaks of her nipples begged to be nibbled on. Her long, dark hair, the stuff of fantasies, spread out all around her, tucked beneath and partially covering at the same time. Gage loved looking at her, but he was going to enjoy touching her even more.

What'd ya think?

ALL MY SAMHAIN TITLES

And now for a few hunks! Enjoy!

Summer fun!

I am feeling good today! I woke up to a BEAUTIFUL cloudy day outside! LOL. It's been way too hot in Southern California lately so seeing those clouds was such a welcomed surprised. Thinking about spending some time in the park with my girls this morning, before it clears up!

Both Anne and Regina talked about vacations and spending time with their families lately. My husband and I have never been on a vacation with our girls (6 and 2). This year, we decided to change that.

We're not going far from home and won't be gone for long, but the first week in August we're driving down to San Diego (MIL in tow, but that's okay because I love her). We're going to spend a few days going to the beach, Balboa Island, seeing the sea lions and all the fun stuff San Diego area has to offer. The girls are SO excited as am I. My hubby works so hard so it will be GREAT for him to have the time off. Most importantly, we'll be together. No work, Internet, revising which I've been doing way too much of lately. LOL. Just my hottie of a husband, my girls and MIL. I can't wait!

What was your favorite family vacation?

Getting Things Done

Sometimes there's just no way around it...it's time to get things done. This summer has been like that. It's my time to get things done. Funny, you'd think that as the summer winds down, things would slow down but that hasn't been the case around here. School is right around the corner and the past few days have been spent getting my daughter ready to move into a new apartment. This time she has rented an unfurnished place. Oh LORDY!!!! Talk about an expensive proposition. Yes, she has a roomie who is also contributing but we're still talking MONEY.

Yesterday we found her a desk for her room (she's in college) along with a nice bookcase that will also serve as a tv stand. Today we head out to pick those things up and in a few days we'll head to the south plains of Texas to pack up stuff in the old apartment. Never ends, does it?

I've found myself wishing there were 48 hrs. in a day instead of only 24 because there is simply no ME time to be found. That's okay. I've faced these times before and have learned that eventually life evens out, calms down and you're free to do your thing. It's all good.

Two Great Movies!

First, a romantic comedy called "The Proposal".
Don't you just love a good movie? This weekend we rented two of them!

I love Sandra Bullock. She's a terrific actress. Put her with Ryan Reynolds and I'm sold!

Sandra Bullock stars in the romantic comedy The Proposal, as a Canadian immigrant who creates a demanding and difficult work environment for her subordinates at the office. When the news arrives that she's about to be deported to the Great White North, she rushes into a marriage of convenience with her young assistant (played by Ryan Reynolds) to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring. 27 Dresses' Anne Fletcher directs from a script by Peter Chiarelli for Touchstone Pictures. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi



The Second one is the movie "Legion". I was afriad I wouldn't like this one. I was pleasantly surprised. A great plot, some really awesome effects and a good ending. What more can you ask for in a movie?

In the supernatural action thriller Legion, an out-of-the-way diner becomes the unlikely battleground for the survival of the human race.

When God loses faith in Mankind, he sends his legion of angels to bring on the Apocalypse. Humanity's only hope lies in a group of strangers trapped in a desert diner and the Archangel Michael (Paul Bettany).

Legion also stars Dennis Quaid, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, Kate Walsh, Adrianne Palicki, Charles S. Dutton and Willa Holland and is directed by Scott Stewart.

So, have you watched any good movies lately?

Going Looooong

Most of my readers know that I tend to write novella length but I sense a change in the air with all of that stuff. I've known for awhile that my current work in progress was a whole lot of story and I finally realized the other night that this book just needs to be longer. I swear, I've written the beginning over and over and just nothing about it was connecting with me. I knew something was wrong but just couldn't figure out what it was.

This all started when I realized I had too many things that I wanted to happen. I've figured out the ending but not how my hero and heroine will get to it and, this time, the journey will be rocky. Sooooo. After much agonizing, I've decided to write an outline for Lawman (book five of my High Plains Shifters series). My thoughts on this one are just too jumbled and I keep thinking the outline will corral those pesky little ideas into some kind of cohesion. This is new for me. Haven't tried this before.

I also came to the conclusion that longer will be better for this story. Yes, it will take more time to write but that's okay. Gotta do what we've gotta do sometimes. I have several full length novels out there now but it has been awhile since I've tackled a longer piece. Should be interesting. Will I yank my hair until I'm bald? Who knows? Might start a trend. Do you write from an outline or by the seat of your pants? I know some authors have big storyboards complete with charts and note cards. Don't know how something like that would work. Hmm. Anyone know?

Since it's the weekend and I'm ALL about THAT, I thought I'd leave you with a little sneak peek of my upcoming release, Trouble in a Stetson. This is book 2 of the Sequins, Saddles and Spurs series with Desiree Holt (Trouble in Cowboy Boots, Book 1, July 28) and Ciana Stone (Trouble in Chaps, Book 3, TBA). Trouble in a Stetson releases August 4 at Ellora's Cave.

Blurb:

Book 2 in the Sequins, Saddles and Spurs series.

Lola Lamont leaves Vegas with two pals never imagining they’d break down in smalltown Texas. So what’s a former showgirl to do when she runs smack dab into the hottest sheriff south of the Mason Dixon line? Why, jump his bones, of course! Sam is more than ready to handle some sass, spunk and sex with her but is he willing to gamble on love?

Sam Campbell takes one look at the Vegas Bombshell and knows damn good and well she belongs under him in bed. She probably has the word goldigger tattooed to her ass but he’s ready to take what the sexy blonde has to offer. Vowing to protect his heart, Sam rocks her world. Too bad she’s rocking his right back. The stakes are high and the only thing Sam has to lose is his heart.


An Excerpt From: TROUBLE IN A STETSON

Copyright © REGINA CARLYSLE, 2010

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One



Lola Lamont gave her poor old pink Caddy a baleful look through the plate glass windows of Blue Belle’s Café and heaved a giant sigh. Her sweet baby had pretty much bitten the dust and her current companions at the table were right, she needed to be put out of her misery. Lola and her friends, Roxie and Emily, had rolled into the tiny town of Mesa Blanco, Texas with the old monstrosity of a car gasping and wheezing like a two pack a day smoker.

Refugees from Vegas, the three friends had, in a moment of madness, said to hell with it and loaded up for a grand adventure with only pennies in their pockets and the good sense of a trio of pigeons.

What the hell had they been thinking?

The sad truth of the matter was they hadn’t been thinking at all. Roxie had lost her job as a security expert for high stakes gaming at a Vegas casino and Emily had been a victim of downsizing in her corporate office. And herself? Lola sighed, still feeling the pain of it all. She had been fired from her show Pink Flamingo Girls for being too old. All those years of dance lessons and keeping her body in primo shape had turned to nothing just days after her thirtieth birthday. Then to make matters worse, her boyfriend Nick had dumped her days after that. Talk about a double whammy. Lola had never been one to have little pity parties for herself but she was about as blue as the décor of Mesa Blanco, Texas’ only café.

They’d stumbled into the place, exhausted, stressed and dying of thirst only to be met by three of the hunkiest, rope-’em-up, tie-’em-down cowboys they’d ever seen. The place had been practically empty except for them and, gallant gents that they were, the men had treated them to soft drinks, lord love ’em. Wyatt Cavenaugh, a local rancher, had already offered Emily a job as a cook of all things. Dang woman could barely boil water. Together they’d driven off in the man’s big truck. Roxie was, at the moment, caught up in a low conversation with the handsome owner of the local honky tonk.

Tension ratcheted up a notch when the other dark, hunkalicious man moved closer to her and leaned in. The scent of him filled her head. “Want another Coke?”

Lola felt that deep, gravelly and oh-so-sexy voice roll over her body to settle in her pussy. Uh-oh. Trouble in a Stetson, for sure. Ever a sucker for a rough, smoky voice, she nodded. “You’re sweet but no thanks. Sam, is it?”

He tipped his big, black Stetson, his dark eyes burning with a look she’d come to recognize from just about every man she’d ever met. Hunger. Desire. Lust. Definite interest. Ooh boy. Did she ever know that look. “Sam Campbell, county sheriff.” His kissable lips turned up at the corners and Lola’s heart thumped hard in her chest. Late afternoon sunlight beamed through the window near the table to settle on the lines of his bronzed, weathered face and glinted on dark hair that she was dying to get a better look at.

“Lola.”

“Yeah, Lamont, a Vegas damsel in distress.”

Arching a brow, she gave him a considering look. “And you’ve come riding in on your big white horse?”

“Looks like it.”

“My hero. Nice to meet you.” Smiling, she held out her hand which he immediately engulfed in his. The warmth of his touch was sudden and unexpected and Lola felt the loss when he finally released her.

Damn if he wasn’t the sexiest man she’d seen in a long, long time and that included Nick Mantucci whom she’d thought was awfully handsome. Nick was a smooth operator who wore designer suits like he was born to them. Not this man. Sam Campbell could’ve stepped out of a scene from one of those old shoot-’em-up movies she used to watch late at night when she couldn’t sleep. Tall, at least six-four or five of brawn and yummy goodness, he not only wore the authority of the sheriff’s badge pinned to his black shirt but carried it on his broad shoulders. The chest beneath that shirt was mounded and muscular practically making her fingers twitch with the need to touch. The man oozed testosterone and wasn’t this a hell of a time to notice such a thing?

Mentally rolling her eyes at her silly turn of thoughts, she glanced away regretfully thinking wrong time and wrong place. Besides, she was just done with men. Especially those who made promises they’d had no intention of keeping.

“So what are you gonna do, Miz Lola?” Sam quietly sipped his coffee.

Sighing deeply, she jabbed her straw into her now empty beverage glass making the ice cubes rattle. “Look for a job, I figure.” Feeling more tired than she’d felt in years, she leaned back in her chair and sent her gaze around the room as she tried to think. Her eyes lit on the fluorescent orange “help wanted” sign in the window. Straightening suddenly, she started to get up then remembered her manners. “Excuse me a minute, Sam.”

Feeling his gaze on her back, Lola grabbed up the sign and walked up to the taciturn, gray haired woman standing behind the counter. The heels of Lola’s cute high heeled sandals click clicked out a warning and the matronly lady glanced up with a frown.

“Can I help ya, Miss?”

Lola set the sign on the counter. “Looks like you need help and I’d like to apply. Can you tell me who I need to talk with about a job?”

“You’d need to talk to me. I’m Belle Warren.” Belle, all of five two and built like an army tank, looked her up and down slowly and Lola got the feeling she didn’t like what she saw. Figured. Lola was pretty much used to that reaction. “Where ya from, little missy?”

“Vegas, ma’am.”

“Bull dung,” she said matter-of-factly. “That ain’t no city voice you’ve got there, girl.”

Lola opened her mouth to speak when Sam walked up and set his coffee cup on the counter. “Can I get a refill, Belle?”

That got a smile from Belle as she grinned and reached for the coffee pot. “Sure thing, Sheriff.” Seeming to forget Lola’s presence for the moment, she finally turned back to Lola and planted her fists on ample hips. “No sirree. You’ve got the deep south stamped all over you. Where you from?”

Sam propped his gorgeous denim-covered butt on the nearest stool and listened unabashedly. Though it was damn hard, Lola tried to forget about him and focused on Belle.

“I’m from a little bitty town just outside Jackson, Mississippi.”

“You grew up there?”

“Yes’m. And I waited tables too. From the time I turned sixteen. I’m a really hard worker, Belle.”

“Hmph. Well, we’ll just see about that, I reckon. Now this ain’t permanent. Got that? Merrylee Hawkins just had a baby and she’ll be back for her job in about six weeks or so. That’s all I’ve got to offer.”

“Oh no, that’s okay,” she rushed. “I just need to make enough money to get out of town.”

“Why? You have somewhere you need to go?”

Lola had to think about that.

No, she really didn’t but she just couldn’t see herself staying here. The sleepy town of Mesa Blanco was far too similar to the town where she grew up and she hadn’t been able to leave that place fast enough. Nope. She wouldn’t be staying. Finally she shook her head and sighed. “Not really. I guess I just need some time to figure things out.”

“Okay then, I’ll try you out for awhile, Lola.”

Relief swept her and then she thought of something else. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Shoot.”

“Someone mentioned something about a rooming house?”

“Staying there requires money,” Belle said. She pursed her lips and then seemed to come to some kind of conclusion. “Listen here. There’s no need for that. I reckon you’re pretty much busted.”

“You’ve got that right. I’m a downright pauper at this point.”

“I figured. You ladies rolled in here without two plug nickels between you considering the three of you were gonna share one drink. Hell, I was prepared to contribute to the cause until Sam here, Wyatt, and Cliff jumped in to spring for the drinks. It’s clear ya’ll are pretty broke.”

“Pitiful.”

“Ain’t it just.” Belle shook her head. “Tell ya what. I’ve got a little apartment out back behind the café. I lived there when I was younger, back before I married and started a family. Over the years I’ve rented it out but it’s empty now. It’s not much but it’s furnished and clean. You can stay there until you get on your feet. How’s that sound?”

Lola was so overwhelmed she wiggled around in celebration and impulsively ran around the edge of the counter to give Belle a hug. Belle Warren was a sweetheart despite her gruff demeanor. Lola knew a little something about being judged on the basis of appearance. She should’ve known better. “Thank you. Thank you. Lordy! You won’t be sorry, ma’am.”

Belle stiffly patted her back. “Hell, I’m already sorry.”

Top Pick and HOTTIES

I've been in hiding lately. Not the bad kind, but the writing cave kind. I love that type of hide and seek. Where I lock myself away with my WIP and get lost in it, only sneaking out to reconnect with civilization for a while. Of course, I'm missing the social aspect when I'm gone, but I think we all need that from time to time. I'm almost done in the cave, but figured I'd peek my head out today to let you know my newest book WILD got a Top Pick from Night Owl Romance!



"This is my second look at Madison Scott’s work. Her deft ability to create characters that are fun and relatable is fantastic. Hunter and Cat are both struggling to figure out where to go but their relationship is honest and genuine. Of course, Scott delivers on the passion and hotness as well."
Read full review HERE


And to celebrate these hotties wanted to come out and say hello.

Finding fun in Strange Times

In keeping with Anne's vacation theme of yesterday, I thought I'd chime in here. Every summer we try to do something fun as a family even though our kids are young adults now and tend to be busy with their own things. Even now, we love being together. We live in Texas and though it's a helluva long drive, we have traveled to South Padre Island for as long as I can remember. We'd rent a condo on the beach and just have a blast. We've done other fun vaca things but this always topped our list of cool stuff.

This year has been rather different for our family and I'm beginning to refer to it all as a 'dark time' but we are getting through it. Mr. Regina is just about to wrap up radiation treatments for his cancer and everything has been shoved aside so we can deal with this. My daughter and I are with him now. He had to move away for this and we've been traveling back and forth to see him. So this week we are supporting him through the last of this and he'll be finished at the end of the week. This is spectacular news. Though he is weak, he has insisted we do things, have some fun. The first day, we went with him to The Dungeon at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital for his radiation and then we headed to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. My daughter is an art history major, so this was especially fun for her and we really had a fantastic time. They supplied wheelchairs so hubby was comfortable while we went from room to room. The following day we went to a fabulous outlet mall. I love those thing, don't you? OMG...Bargain Heaven. Mr. Regina found a shady place to sit and listen to live music from a talented duo from Austin while we SHOPPED. I found a beautiful Coach bag and the price was so good, I got a wallet to match. My daughter (skinny little thing that she is) found great deals on some really pretty clothes. I loved finding her a $300 dress marked off to $50. What a steal!

We shopped again today at the Galleria Mall (very huge). I think it's one of those Lourve Museum deals where it really takes a good week to see everything. Once again, big fun, and each time we'd hit a few stores and head back to see my husband, fetch him a soft drink and sit with him he'd ask...soooo what did my sweethearts find? I swear. I think he really enjoyed people watching and sometimes shamelessly eavesdropping on interesting 'stranger' conversation. I think to him, this was considered something of a vacation even though it wasn't the 'norm'. That's okay. We laughed and talked and made plans for the day we'd bring him home. It was good. Vacations are about families being together. This summer, though the circumstances were awful, we managed it. I found myself thinking that it doesn't matter the WHERE or the WHEN, just that we're together.

In other news, Drilled (April, Ellora's Cave) got a very nice review (4.5) from Blackraven Reviews.
Here's a bit of what she had to say-
This novella is intensely hot! Regina Carlysle is a gifted writer who combines passion, humor and lust to create an engaging read. I enjoyed the frequent email chats with Lori and her friends back home, right down to the final message at the end of the story.

Drilled is hot and sexy, but also full of possibilities. Lori could have spent her days alone and miserable, but she took a risk and benefitted from it. Jackson is sexy, attentive and doesn’t care about a few laugh lines. The realistic love story wound around our hero and heroine’s red hot affair leaves you feeling satisfied.

Read the entire review HERE!

Drilled was also named Sweetheart Book of the Week at The Romance Studio. Thanks so much to all who voted.

Vacations?

So, what sort of vacation do you all like to take? For the past few years we've made the trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. We LOVE it there.

Here are a few pictures of last year's trip.

We do a LOT of hiking at Acadia National Park. It's gorgeous!

This litte restaurant is called Cafe This Way. We love going here for their breakfast and coffee. (random customer and employee there, lol)

And of course the gorgeous rocky shore (more random people)

This was taken inside the little lobster pound we like to go to. Thurston's Lobster Pound. Yum!

More pictures of us just messing around, exploring, enjoying the cool breeze off the water.

One of the HUGE lobsters at Thurston's. :)

So, any fun plans for vacation this year? And here are a few Monday Hunks!

Inspiring!!

When it comes to writing, sometimes you just need a little push to start that next manuscript or finish the current one. Sometimes you need a big push though. When I heard/watched this video about Sylvester Stallone's rise to success it completely and totally inspired me. I had NO idea.



I'm not asking you to listen to this nine minute audio, I'm demanding you! Grab a cold drink, sit back and listen to Tony Robbins tell Rocky's story. I promise you it'll be the best thing you did all day!






Also, I'm thrilled to announce that my very first Ellora's Cave story, RIDE OF HER LIFE, now has a release date. August 26th. And I can't wait!

Here's the blurb:

It’s been a year since her divorce and Lily Justice is ready to move on—but not with just any man. She’s got a certain drool-worthy body shop owner in mind. It’s almost convenient that her car needs some work. And when she meets Kyle Wolff up close and personal, her inner-slut has to have him, age difference be damned. With the car staying at the shop, Kyle graciously offers to give her a lift home.



While she accepts a ride on Kyle’s hot motorcycle, Lily’s inner-slut wants a hot ride on Kyle.



She’s about to get what she wants. And it will be the ride of her life…
***

And check out the excerpt HERE


AND the hotttie that inspired the hero, Kyle... *grin*



Feel inspired yet? ;)

Sexiest men on TV

Now, I don't really watch much TV, but that doesn't mean I don't take the time to appreciate the view sometimes. There are some smokin' hot men gracing the TV screen nowadays so for something a little different today, I decided to share a few of my favorites.

Eric on True Blood. Need I say more? He is one hot vampire. I will fully admit to being Team Bill in the beginning, but Mr. Northman is growing on me.

I have had a thing for Shemar Moore from Criminal Minds of a long time. He is absolutely GORGEOUS. Doesn't hurt him that his body is to die for either ;)


Jonathan Rhys Meyers... What to say. How do I ogle thee. Let me count the ways. LOL. There is something so incredibly sexy about this man! I know he and Mr. Northman both happen to be on Mrs. Regina's list too :)

Okay, I don't know what it is about Ryan. I mean, yeah, he's gorgeous, but I also totally LOVE his character on True Blood. He's goofy, but so damn hot. He's one of my favorite guys on the show!

*Sigh* No picture, but another hottie, IMO is Ian Somerhalder from Vampire Diaries. I don't even watch the show, but he's very sexy. I think it's his eyes. He does it for me every time.

Who do you think are some of the sexiest men on TV?

Genre Jumping-Good or Bad?

Let's face the cold, hard facts. Writers want to be paid for their work. Most of us don't make a fortune doing what we do and few of us are lucky enough to be able to write full time. Many writers work day jobs, deal with family stuff and still manage to pound the keys every night in the vague hope that someday they might be able to make enough from writing to do it full time. With the accessability of ebook readers more and more are buying ebooks and loving them. One would think this would mean huge paychecks for writers out there but that's just not the case. New e-pubs are springing up every day and even most big New York publishing houses are getting into the act by releasing their titles in e-format along with traditional print.

So what happened to all that money we thought we'd make from this explosion? I figure the flooding of the market with ebooks is the culprit along with a sagging economy and other factors. This has been a topic of conversation on a number of loops lately with many writers wondering how to increase sales.

The discussion of 'genre jumping' is very interesting. Readers are loyal to particular authors knowing that when they pick up this writer's book they will get something specific. If you buy Nora Roberts you pretty much know you will get romantic suspense. Sherillyn Kenyon and JR Ward? You'll get paranormal. Readers have expectations. Let's face it. There is only one Nora and we aren't her. :-) We must build name recognition and a fan base and work hard doing it. I write paranormal/shifters and contemporary, almost all set in Texas. My readers expect that of me and I've been lucky to find a niche that works for me. The question is...if sales begin to slag in those genres is it the smart choice for a writer to go off the carefully plotted chart and write something totally different? Do readers get angry when their favorite writer of romantic suspense suddenly throws a paranormal into the mix?

Writing to market is seen as a big no no in many corners with the thought being loyal readers won't be quick to forgive such a thing. I tend to believe that if a reader likes my work, she'll buy whatever genre I choose to write unless she has a personal dislike of the genre. What do readers want from their favorite authors? A question for the ages. Do they want the safety and predictability of one particular thing or are they a little more adventurous than that? I tend to believe readers are adventurous. We all get in moods and search for particular things to fit. On rainy, chilly days I love to curl up with a regency set historical. Sunny, beach days call for something that makes me laugh and fits my 'sunny' mood. It varies from day to day.

In the end, I believe a writer should write the story that is currently whispering in her ear. Yes, I'll write out of my comfort zone. The book might not sell but still, it stretches me as a writer to do this from time to time. There are other times when I will write a genre that I don't particularly enjoy simply because I know the genre is a big seller. Why not? I like money and don't see it as a sell out to my art. I just don't. I mean, seriously, I'm not writing War And Peace. This isn't brain surgery. Experimentation keeps us creatively charged and that's a good thing.

As a writer, do you genre hop or do you stick with one genre? What about you as a reader? Does it make you angry to see your favorite paranormal author has suddenly whipped out a sassy, romantic comedy? Input requested.

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth!

Whatever your plans this weekend, everyone, have FUN with family and friends. Our little family has been scattered around lately but finally we'll all be together this weekend and we are looking forward to being together. So pop some firecrackers, light some roman candles and save room for all those hot dogs and burgers!

And if you are looking for a short, hot read please check out Barbara Hufferts new Ellora's Cave release!

Buy it Here!

Blurb:

Martin Binks has made it big in Hollywood but there’s something missing from his life. When he heads back to his hometown to regroup, he finds it in his high school pal, Josie, now a grown woman with curves in all the right places.

Josie Weston is thrilled when Binks walks back into her life. Not admitting her feelings for him was the one regret she’s always had. She was too timid to act on her fantasies when they were younger, but now…