Check out the Marked Video Trailer!

CHECK OUT MARKED!

I have to tell y'all how incredibly excited Kristin and I have been about early reader response to MARKED. Romantic Times gave us a 4 1/2 star Top Pick review! And that was just the beginning of the lurve for MARKED! Check out the latest kick butt review by www.romrevtoday.com:

MARKED – P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

The House of Night, Book 1

A Perfect 10

St. Martin’s GriffinISBN: 978-0-312-36026-9 May 2007Young Adult Contemporary Paranormal Fiction Tulsa, Oklahoma – Present Day

Zoey Redbird is clearly having a bad day. It started off with her best friend Kayla emphasizing that her boyfriend – “almost-boyfriend” – Heath had not been cheating on her at a party. Zoey hadn’t even known there was a question of infidelity in the first place, and, uh, he isn’t really her boyfriend right now. His beer guzzling had so gotten old and totally disgusting, despite the fact that Heath is the high school’s football god. To cap it all off, Zoey is Marked, and that requires some explanation.It’s been proven by scientists and researchers that there truly exists a race called vampyre. Defined by the blue crescent-shaped mark on the forehead, a vampyre is Marked and subsequently leaves for the House of Night to begin “training.” Some may call it ghoul school, some may call it...well, whatever they like, but no one can predict if or when a teen will be Marked. Humans denigrate and fear it, and the unlucky individuals who now have this bodacious mark on their foreheads have a lot to deal with -- a change of life, a new school, and getting used to those who share their fate. Oh, and then there’s that whole blood thing...Yeah, so, see what kind of pain Zoey’s feeling right now? At a new school, with new uniforms, and a new lifestyle, Zoey quickly realizes that a hierarchy similar to that of high school exists at the House of Night. It’s all very confusing, and she quickly realizes that there are a few kids just like her, learning the ropes. With her new roommate, Stevie Rae, and a couple of other new friends, Zoey forms friendships and alliances, and even develops a new crush -- Erik “ohmygod” Night. But Zoey stands out from the others, and it’s not just because the High Priestess Neferet is her mentor. Hey, just because Zoey has been hand-picked by the goddess Nyx doesn’t mean she’s a shoe-in for this gig...Now, about that blood thing...With a nod to Harry Potter and X-Men, P.C. Cast and her daughter Kristin have on their hands a stellar launch to their new series, The House of Night. Already known for her immensely popular Goddess Summoning series, it was only natural for P.C. Cast to team up with daughter Kristin and write from a different perspective. I can only imagine those brainstorming sessions! Teen lingo and machinations is a totally evolving thing, and so much has changed even from my teen time *bleep* years ago. But what gets me with MARKED is that it’s not just a young adult tale that will only entertain those teenyboppers. I’m thirty-...*cough* ahem, well, I’m not exactly a teen, and I still got a total thrill from reading of Zoey and her friends’ adventures. “Wicked cool” and “gnarly” came to mind, but I really think those terms went out back in 1990 -- so just how do you describe a book that has it all these days? Riveting, page-turning, nail-biting, etc? Yep, that pretty much sums up MARKED and has really got me jonesing for more from Zoey and the gang at House of Night. All characters in this book are well-defined and plotted out, making them very easily identifiable. We all had the class bullies and cheerleader snobs to contend with back in the day, so maybe for many MARKED will be a nightmare revisited. But Zoey and her friends, Damien, Stevie Rae, Erin, and Shaunee, truly stand out and add a bit of zaniness, laughter, and tears, and exemplify true friendship.A heads-up for those parental control type folks, however: a bit of colorful language is used here and there throughout the book (not abused, though), and while I understand that this may be normal for teens nowadays, it wasn’t very rampant in the young adult books I read as a kid. I can only imagine I’d have a few ugly words if I were thrown in a situation like Zoey’s...With that said, my next question -- do you award a young adult book RRT’s Perfect 10? Absolutely, and that’s just what I’m doing. My only other thought is this -- how willing would P.C. Cast be to put an adult spin on it and give us stories for the various professors at House of Night?

Amy Cunningham
Romance Reviews Today

Isn't that fantastic?! We're totally thrilled! (We're also almost finished with the third book in the series, CHOSEN.)

So, have you read it yet? What did you think?

C.J. Barry under a new name!

I know many of you are already familiar with and fans of the fabulous s-f/f author, C.J. Barry. Well, she's writing romantic suspense under a new name. Let's give her our support and check out her new release! Here's the info:

SIGHT UNSEEN by Samantha Graves
Warner Books; April 1 2007

Raven Callahan doesn’t do it for the money. She does it for the thrills. As a consultant for API, an art recover company, she gets to steal—legally. But when her colleague is kidnapped during an assignment, Raven is forced to steal a priceless master painting to save his life.
David “Dax” Maddox was the perfect street cop—until a botched burglary raid cost his partner his life and Dax his ability to see color. Now, with his world gray, Dax has only one mission: to take down the murderer. And he’ll use anyone—even a sexy thief with questionable ethics—to get justice.
Soon Dax and Raven are forced together as pawns in a madman’s scheme. From the heart of Cuba to the New York art world, they find themselves in a race against time to stop the ultimate revenge.
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0446618381/ref=dp_image_0/102-1632731-2872900?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Excerpt: http://www.samanthagraves.com/suexcerpt.html


ABOUT SAMANTHA

Samantha Graves turned a lifelong love of daydreaming into writing fiction. Under the name of C.J. Barry, she is the award-winning author of the UN-Forgettable Futuristic romance series. She now brings her unique blend of high adventure, sizzling romance, mystery and humor to her first contemporary romantic suspense.


REVIEWS
4 ½ Stars & a Top Pick “This fast-paced adventure provides all the action, romance and thrills a reader could ask for. " - Romantic Times magazine
Five Stars "I found myself hooked from page one!" - Huntress Reviews
"Tightly woven and suspenseful...will keep readers riveted." - The Road to Romance
"A refreshing paranormal romantic suspense thriller." - Harriet Klausner
Five Angels & a Recommended Read "Fun, exciting and at times heart-wrenching." - Fallen Angel Reviews

WEBSITE: http://www.samanthagraves.com

Countdown to the release of MARKED

So Kristin (refer to lovely picture above) and I are counting down the days till the release of MARKED, the first book in our wonderful young adult vampyre series. I'm going to be running some contests and opening the blog for questions about writing with a partner, writing YA, and...well...writing in general. Kristin is also available to answer questions (in all her copious free time between working full time and going to college full time and writing with me...). I thought I'd start things off by posting an article Kristin just wrote for the teen magazine, TeenInk, where she talked about the experience of being published at nineteen. Feel free to blog in with questions for Kristin (better known around my house a Chicken Frances because her initials are KFC - she loves it when I pass along cute little family facts like that!).

PUBLISHED AT NINETEEN!

(DREAM COME TRUE OR NIGHTMARE IN THE MAKING?)

by Kristin Cast, coauthor of MARKED: A HOUSE OF NIGHT NOVEL

The countdown to May 1st, the release date of my first novel, MARKED: A HOUSE OF NIGHT NOVEL has begun. It’s a frenzy of interviews, book signing dates, getting reviews (which I read like I watch horror movies – through my fingers), and in general an “interesting” time, especially because it’s coinciding with college finals (ugh).

Okay, I’m going to be really honest with you. (You may want to sit down.) The truth is that most of the time I feel like I am letting people down when they ask: “Is being published at nineteen exciting?!” The answer is more complex than a simple “Yep!” Here’s the deal: in my family, being an author is normal. It’s been my life for as long as I can remember. My mom’s been writing forever and published since 2001. Seeing her name, PC Cast (PC stands for Phyllis Christine, but no one under 85 can spell Phyllis correctly, so she uses her initials to save herself stress), on zillions of books is normal – it’s my mom’s job. So seeing my name on the cover of a novel is something I’ve always expected. I think it’s great, and I feel like I’ve finally achieved something I was meant to do. (Sorry. Now I realize I sound like one of those spoiled movie star’s kids. “Like, of course I knew I was going to be rich and famous because, like, my mommy is! Duh, where have you been?!” That’s not what I mean. I mostly mean: like mother – like daughter.). Sure, my mom wasn’t always the famous award winning author she is today, but I have always been exposed to the complex lifestyle of an author, which made it easier for me to help write these books. I knew the hard work that was expected from me, and knew the discipline it would take.

As for coauthoring with my mom, I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve been sitting quietly, minding my own business watching one of the many Real World marathons, when suddenly, like the voice of God (or maybe it should say Goddess), my mom is yelling down the hall that she needs brainstorming help about where a scene could be headed, followed by a battering of questions, or several spelling confusions that need clarification (here’s a news flash – my mom is an AWFUL speller). Whether or not she ever actually took my advice, I have always assisted my mom while she is writing; now, I just help a lot more.

Coming up with the idea for the series was the easy part. My mom’s agent (who is now my agent, too, which is very exciting and cool to say, “Yes, I have an agent!") gave us the idea. She said three magic words: vampyre finishing school, and Mom automatically started thinking about a YA series set at a school for fledgling vampyres. I helped her brainstorm about the school, which we set at a local college prep school. Funny story about that – the stuck-up prep school wasn’t too keen on us setting a vampyre finishing school there, so in order to research the location Mom and I dressed up in pearls and cashmere and went to their open house where we – oopsie! – got terribly lost and had to wander around all by ourselves (taking tons of pictures on our cell phones). Hee hee!

The actual writing of our YA series is about teamwork. When Mom and I created our heroine, Zoey Redbird, we made sure that she was a lot like me at sixteen. The first three books are told first person from Zoey’s point of view, so honestly (and sometimes embarrassingly) it’s like I’m writing about sending my(vampyre)self on great adventures! We’ve even used the names of a couple of my ex-boyfriends (don’t tell them – it’s not always flattering). Characters based on high school friends (and enemies) are in the books. Oh, so are some of my teachers.

The mechanics of how we do it is pretty non-glamorous. I wish we sat around in satin pjs and ate truffles. What happens is Mom writes a section of the manuscript and then she emails it to me. I go through it and rewrite, focusing on voice and making sure that Mom hasn’t loaded it down with too much description (Boring! But don’t tell her!) Often Mom will leave gaps in the text, especially in Zoey’s internal dialogue, that I fill in, making sure Zoey sounds sixteen and not forty-six. I really get caught up in Zoey’s life and her friends. I know it sounds a little psychotic, but they seem very real to me. So real that in book 2, BETRAYED, something terrible happens (no, I’m not going to tell you) and it literally made me stop writing for three days because I was so upset! But, besides the slightly psycho aspect of it, and the deadlines, it’s fun, really. And, except for the fact that she can beat me at will, I like writing with my mom!

Seriously, this life is normal to me, like breathing, it’s something I enjoy and I understand how to do. Oh, and I’m in the research stages of a book that I’m writing on my own. (More about that later!) So, to me, I’m just another person in my family with a large imagination and a whole lot to say.

New novel from my Berkley Sensation sister!

Y'all, please check out Rebecca York's latest in her lovely werewolf series:

NEW MOON by Rebecca York
Berkley Sensation; March 6, 2007

It's in one man's true nature to remain by the side of the woman he loves, rather than live without her in his own universe...
Landscape architect Logan Marshall is out for a jog—in his werewolf form—when a trap catches his paw. As it saps his strength, he is saved by another werewolf, who—to Logan's amazement—is female.
Female werewolves aren't supposed to exist. But Rinna is a shapeshifter from another dimension who's traveled through a portal to this world. And the trap that ensnared Logan was set by her former captor, and meant for her...
But as soon as Rinna and Logan touch, an electrifying bond forms between them. Unable to resist his desire for Rinna, in all her many forms, Logan will have to earn her trust, and travel through both dimensions to save her—and earth—from the wrath of her enemy...
Cover:
http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/12000000/12007453.jpg
Excerpt:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/glick/sneak-p26.htm

ABOUT REBECCA YORK
Ever since she can remember, Ruth Glick has loved making up stories full of adventure, romance and suspense. As a child she corralled her friends into adventure games or acted out romantic suspense stories with a cast of dolls. But she never assumed she could be an author, because she couldn't spell. Her life changed, however, with the invention of the word processor and spelling checker--and the help of her husband, Norman Glick, who spots spelling errors from fifty paces away. Writing as Rebecca York, she has authored or co-authored over 45 romantic suspense novels, many for Harlequin Intrigue's very popular 43 Light Street series, set in Baltimore, and many with paranormal elements.


REVIEWS

Website: http://www.rebeccayork.com

Nalini's lovely book!

I've very much enjoyed the world Nalini Singh has created, and am excited that the next installment is available! Check it out!

VISIONS OF HEAT by Nalini Singh
Berkley Sensation / March 6, 2007

Go deeper into the world of the Psy and the changelings, where a gifted woman sees passion in her future-a passion that is absolutely forbidden by her kind... Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous-aching need...exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her. Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take either man or jaguar form, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced-and keep her from Vaughn...

Cover: http://www.nalinisingh.com/images/Visions.jpg

Excerpt: http://www.nalinisingh.com/visions.html

ABOUT NALINI SINGH

Nalini Singh is passionate about writing. Though she’s traveled as far afield as the deserts of China and the temples of Japan, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her the most. She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as a writer.

Nalini lives, works and eats copious amounts of chocolate in beautiful New Zealand.

REVIEWS

“…if you're a paranormal reader, this is one book that you have to read!"~Julie Kornhausl for Romance Reader At Heart

“Nalini Singh has done the enviable; she has written a sequel that lives up to its predecessor.”
~Fallen Angel Reviews, 5 Angels, Recommended Read.

“A breathtaking blend of passion, adventure and the paranormal. I wished I lived in the world Singh has created. This is a keeper!”
~Gena Showalter, bestselling author of The Nymph King

“…I read the book in one night. One single night. Stayed up until 3 a.m.…This book sucked me in and would not let go….The sexual tension between Vaughn and Faith was explosive from their very first meeting….” ~Jaci Burton, Author of Surviving Demon Island

Website http://www.nalinisingh.com/ (includes Behind the Scenes info on the Psy/Changeling series)

eHarlequin's Reader's Choice Awards

I was so pleased and excited to be notified that DIVINE BY MISTAKE is nominated in two categories for eHarlequin's Reader's Choice Awards: Best Book of 2006, and Best "Woo Woo" Book (apparently that covers everything from sci-fi to paranormals). Now it's time for readers to cast their votes (CAST - GET IT?!) to choose the winner! All you need to do is to go to www.eharlequin.com. If you're not already registered you'll need to register. Then click on the TALK icon. When the new page comes up look to the right and click on BOOK BUZZ. Then scroll down till you see "What's NEW?" Under that you'll (finally) see Reader's Choice Awards, which you can then click into and vote. There are several categories and voting is lots of fun.

It'd be great if you clicked a vote for Jeri Smith-Ready, too, under Best New Author and Best Online Read.

Happy voting! And I very much appreciate your support!

Girlfriend release!

I'm so glad my friend, Susan Grant's, new book is finally out! She's fabulous and so is her book. Please check it out:

MY FAVORITE EARTHLING by Susan Grant
HQN; March 1, 2007

Even a Goddess can have a bad day...Keira, warrior-queen of the galaxy, is as famous for her beauty as she is for avoiding marriage. But when an upstart little planet called Earth threatens her world with its fleet of spaceships, the fate of her people lies in her hands. She must bind herself to a barbarian from the rogue world...or face the destruction of her own!

She's what he never knew he always wanted...Confirmed bachelor Jared Jasper knew the trick Earth pulled on the alien invaders wasn't a permanent solution. What they needed was a peace treaty. It just never occurred to him that he would wind up on the bargaining table. Playing the pushover groom to a mouthy alien babe who knows how to use a plasma sword is not exactly his idea of fun. But with six-billion people depending on him, he doesn't have much choice--sleep with the enemy...or bring on interstellar war.

Strange bedmates? You bet. But this alliance may turn into a romance the likes of which this galaxy's never seen!

Cover:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0373771924.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V48704388_.jpg

Excerpt:
http://www.susangrant.com/books/earthling.htm#excerpt

ABOUT SUSAN GRANT

Former USAF jet pilot and current commercial airline pilot, RITA award-winner and New York Times bestseller Susan Grant loves writing about what she knows: exotic places, action, adventure, and the often unpredictable interaction between men and women.


REVIEWS

“Susan Grant writes heroes to die for!” --Susan Kearney, USA Today bestselling author

“I loved this book! I can't rave about this novel enough. From an arranged marriage, to royal espionage, to saving Earth, MY FAVORITE EARTHLING is not a book to be missed!” – Sylvia Day, bestselling author of Pleasures of the Night

“Susan Grant's sexiest story yet!” -- Gena Showalter, bestselling author of The Nymph King

“A sizzling cosmic romp!” -- Angela Knight, USA Today bestselling author

“Dang but Jared was a hot hero! Susan Grant is an author I sincerely wish I hadn't waited so long to discover! -- Shannon McKelden, author of Venus Envy

“Charming, witty, and sexy as all get out!” --Linnea Sinclair, RITA award-winning author of Games of Command

4.5 stars! “This interstellar romp starts off fast and soon is hip deep in sexy humor and deadly assassination attempts. Grant has really hit her stride with this marvelous blend of humor and danger.” --Jill Smith, Romantic Times Magazine

“Susan Grant proves once again why she is Master of the Futuristic Genre. Jared and Keira's heat burn up the pages!” – award-winning author Colby Hodge

WEBSITE http://www.susangrant.com

DIVINE BY BLOOD COVER

I know I posted the art for this cover as soon as the amazing artist, James Griffin, sent it to me, but I thought y'all would like to see the almost finished version. According to my editor, all that's left to add are the cover quotes. I think it's absolutely spectacular! I do have me some excellent cover chi!

DIVINE BY BLOOD will be released by LUNA in September, and it is the third book in the trilogy that began with DIVINE BY MISTAKE (Sept 06) and DIVINE BY CHOICE (Dec 06).

New Nocturne Release

Y'all know I love the new Nocturne line - so much so that I sold the first two books of my new dark paranormal series to them. So check out this fab release by lovely Vivi Anna!

BLOOD SECRETS by Vivi Anna
Silhouette Nocturne

A young human woman is found ritualistically murdered in a downtown Necropolis hotel. It is up to Caine Valorian, a 200-year-old vampire, and his Otherworld Crime Unit to solve the unusual crime, and quickly before the human press can jump onto the story and cause a panic. To add to their already tough case, a new member, Eve Grant, transfers to their lab at the request of the mayor. Not only is she green and eager to impress the boss, but she's human. The first human ever to work in an Otherworld unit. The mayor thought it would be great press especially now with the strange human murder.

Caine has his work cut out for him, especially with his unruly team who don't appreciate any help from a human. Not only is this the toughest case of his career, but he's unusually attracted to the new girl, which can only cause trouble for them all. However, as they sink deeper and deeper into the workings of the case, Caine and Eve become closer and closer. So close that neither of them can see past each other and at the real happenings behind the scenes. The more they poke and prod at the case, the more they realize that something is going on, that this murder is only one step toward a greater purpose. Someone in the Otherworld community is calling on dark forces, in a plot to wipe out the entire human population.

Cover:

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0373617585.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V48704448_.jpg

Excerpt:
http://www.valorianchronicles.com/bloodsecrets_nonflash.php#excerpt

ABOUT VIVI ANNA

A bad girl at heart, Vivi Anna likes to burn up the pages with her original unique brand of fantasy fiction. Whether it's in ancient Egypt, or in an apocalyptic future, Vivi always writes fast paced action-adventure with strong independent women that can kick some butt, and dark delicious heroes to kill for.

Once shot at while repossessing a car, Vivi decided that maybe her life needed a change. The first time she picked up a pen and put words to paper, she knew she had found her heart. Within two paragraphs, she realized she could write about getting into all sorts of trouble without suffering the consequences.

When Vivi isn't writing, you can find her causing a ruckus at downtown bistros, flea markets, or playgrounds.


REVIEWS

If you like CSI, you'll love this smart, sexy and suspenseful trip through Necropolis where the villains are vamps, werewolves and witches--and so are the good guys. Strong, sexy Caine Valorian is a vampire to die for. He's also the head of the crime unit that cracks the supernatural cases no human is brave enough to tackle. Except beautiful but businesslike Eve Grant. Sparks fly - in and out of bed - when Caine and Eve pool their talents to fight unspeakable evil. – USA Today best selling author, Rebecca York

A new series begins on a strong note with compelling characters that draw you into their world, showing it to you in a way that explains without bogging down the narrative. This is a solid mystery that is enhanced by the romantic and paranormal elements. I look forward to seeing more from this author – Eternal Night Review

Website http://www.valorianchronicles.com
http://www.vivianna.net

Werewolf Lurve

As I've said before, I do lurve me some werewolf action. Check out Lucy Monroe's (my Berkley Sensation sister) latest!

MOON AWAKENING by Lucy Monroe
Berkley Sensation February 2007

An enthralling new romantic tale that pushes the boundaries between love and hate, passion and pain-and man and beast...

When Emily Hamilton's family is ordered to send a woman to the Scottish highlands for marriage to the laird of the Sinclair, Emily volunteers in order to save her younger sister from such a fate. But at her new home, the only friend she finds is the laird's sister-especially after Emily's stubborn streak causes the laird to cancel the marriage. And though her plans have gone awry, she refuses to return home...

Lachlan Balmoral is laird of his clan-and leader of his pack. One of the most feared werewolves prowling the Highlands, he is on the march against the hated Sinclair, who have abducted a Balmoral woman. He kidnaps the sister of the Sinclair laird, planning to marry her off in revenge-but the woman he takes along with her proves to be the greater prize...

For Emily feeds a desire he has never known existed. And though Lachlan would not think of touching his enemy's betrothed, he must know how a mere woman could tame his heart so easily...

Cover:
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0425214265.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V40879991_.jpg

Excerpt:
http://www.lucymonroecotm.com/excerpt_ma.htm

ABOUT LUCY MONROE

Award winning author Lucy Monroe sold her first book in September of 2002. Since then she has sold more than 30 books to three publishers and hit national bestsellers lists in the US and England. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten. Whether it's a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy single title for Kensington or a steamy historical or paranormal for Berkley, Lucy's books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all.


REVIEWS

This is sure to be a popular series, and I am wiggling in anticipation of Ms. Monroe's next offering. This is a book not to be missed! -- Natasha for Romance Junkies

MOON AWAKENING is an electrifying supernatural historical romance starring a courageous highly moral female and the werewolf who falls in love with her. The story line is fast-paced from the opening eavesdropping to the final confrontation with evil. Lucy Monroe brings to life a unique medieval Scotland filled with the paranormal, the romantic, and the intrigue as she provides a clever tale of yore… -- Harriet Klausner


Website http://www.lucymonroecotm.com
http://www.lucymonroe.com

Check it out

I really like the fact that Tor added a line of romantic fantasy/sci-fi novels, and I support the wonderful authors who write for them. Check out Tor's latest release:

ISLAND HEAT by Susan Kearney
Tor Romance February 6, 2007

He dominated with an otherworldly seductive power . . .

What was happening to her? Former screen siren Shara Weston lived on an exotic and private South Pacific island as a recluse . . . until disturbingly masculine and utterly captivating Cade Archer fell out of the sky and into her life. Now, Cade gives her no choice but to follow him down a sensual path that fulfills her every desire.

Cade's on a mission to open a portal between Shara's island volcano and his world. But not everyone wants him to succeed. A powerful enemy has followed Cade to prevent him from sending the resources through the portal that will free his people.

While Cade's mission is as compelling as his dominating sensuality, Shara must find a way to fight him . . . to stop his mission because the fate of every man, woman and child on Earth is at stake.

Cover:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/076535666X.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V46350350_.jpg

Excerpt:

http://www.susankearney.com/island_heat.html


ABOUT SUSAN KEARNEY

Susan Kearney used to set herself on fire four times a day, now a USA TODAY BESTSELLING author, she does something really hot—she writes paranormal romance for Tor, sensuous romance for Harlequin Blaze and romantic suspense for Harlequin Signature. She can apply the old rule of "write what you know" and never run out of ideas for characters and plots. An All-American and professional diver, expert in martial arts, sailor, real estate broker and owner of a barter business as well as women's fitness and three hair salons, she has enough material for a lifetime.


Visit’s Susan’s website (http://www.susankearney.com) for an exclusive book trailer!!!

Excellent Cover Chi Continued...

Oh, baby! Just got this from St. Martin's. It's the cover for book 2 of THE HOUSE OF NIGHT YA series, BETRAYED, which will be released in October. Ohmygoddess! Kristin and I lurve it! Check it out, and here's a synopsis tease:

Zoey Redbird's adventures at vampyre finishing school continue in BETRAYED, book two of THE HOUSE OF NIGHT series.

Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night.

While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

Pearl Award Finalists

Nominated for 2006 PEARL

ParaNormal Excellence Award in Romantic Literature


The list of finalists for 2006 Paranormal Excellence Awards for Romantic Literature (PEARL) is out, and I'm thrilled that MYSTERIA is a finalist in the anthology category! So if you lurved MYSTERIA, MaryJanice, Sue, Gena, and I would appreciate your vote! Congratulations to all the finalists; I see a lot of familiar names there! Remember that only PNR group list members can vote.
2006 Finalists are:

ANTHOLOGY
DATES FROM HELL by Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong, Lori Handeland | Avon
MY BIG FAT SUPERNATURAL WEDDING by Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Lori Handeland, Charlaine Harris, Susan Krinard, Sherrilyn Kenyon | St. Martins
MYSTERIA by MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, P.C. Cast, Gena Showalter | Berkley
BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT by Jill and Julia, Dawn Thompson | Highland Press
SILK AND MAGIC TWO by M.A. duBarry, Caryn Carter, Brandy Lee | Imajinn

FANTASY / MAGICAL
LOVE IN THE FAST LANE by Jenna McKnight | Avon
MASTER OF SWORDS by Angela Knight | Berkley Pub Group
HEART QUEST by Robin D. Owens | Berkley Publishing Group
THE WATERLORD by Dawn Thompson | Dorchester Publishing
DANGEROUS TIDES by Christine Feehan | Jove

FUTURISTIC ROMANCE
YOUR PLANET OR MINE? by Susan Grant | HQN Books
ETERNAL NIGHTS by Patti O'Shea | Lovespell
GHOST HUNTER by Jayne Castle | Jove
HELL KAT by Vivi Anna | Kensington, Aphrodisia
TRUE BLOOD by Patricia Waddell | Tor

BEST DEBUT (NEW) AUTHOR
Deidre Knight |
Karen Chance | Roc
Lucinda Betts | Kensignton, Aphrodisia
Deborah MacGillivray | Kensington Publishing
Jacquelyn Frank | Zebra
CJ England | Mardi Gras Publishing

NOVELLA OR SHORT STORY
FAERY GOOD ADVICE (IN NO LAW AGAINST LOVE) by Jacquie Rogers | Highland Press
DOUBLE, DOUBLE, TOIL & TROUBLE (NO LAW AGAINST LOVE) by Deborah Macgillivray | Highland Press
RIDER IN THE STORM (from BLUE MOON MAGIC) by Deborah Macgillivray | Highland Press
BLUE CHRISTMAS CAT (HOLIDAY IN THE HEART) by Deborah MacGillivray | Highland Press
THE WARLORD WANTS FOREVER (from PLAYING EASY TO GET) by Kresley Cole | Pocket Books

BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE
DARK SIDE OF THE MOON by Sherrilyn Kenyon | St. Martin's Press
PLAYING WITH FIRE by Gena Showalter | HQN
SLAVE TO SENSATION by Nalini Singh | Berkley
LOVER AWAKENED by J.R. Ward | Signet Eclipse
THE FALCON'S BRIDE by Dawn Thompson | Dorchester Publishing
CONSPIRACY GAME by Christine Feehan | Jove

SCIENCE FICTION / FANTASY
A FISTFUL OF CHARMS by Kim Harrison | Harper Torch
SORCERESS OF FAITH by Robin D. Owens | Luna Books (Harlequin Enterprises)
DEFINITELY DEAD by Charlaine Harris | ACE Books
LOVER ETERNAL by J. R. Ward | Signet
LOVER AWAKENED by J.R. Ward | Signet Eclipse

SHAPE SHIFTER
DARK SIDE OF THE MOON by Sherrilyn Kenyon | St. Martin's Press
MASTER OF WOLVES by Angela Knight | Berkley Pub Group (Sensation)
MOON CALLED by Patricia Briggs | ACE
FULL MOON RISING by Keri Arthur | Spectra
BONDING EXPERIENCE by Cora Zane | Cobblestone

TIME TRAVEL
PARALLEL ATTRACTION by Deidre Knight | Signet
ROUGH AND READY by Sandra Hill | Berkley Pub Group
MUCH ADO IN THE MOONLIGHT by Lynn Kurland | Jove
THE FALCON'S BRIDE by Dawn Thompson | Dorchester

VAMPIRE PARANORMAL ROMANCE
DARK CELEBRATION by Christine Feehan | Berkley
DARK DEMON by Christine Feehan | Jove
WATCHERS IN THE NIGHT by Jenna Black | TOR
A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER by Kresley Cole | Pocket Books (Star)
NO REST FOR THE WICKED by Kresley Cole | Pocket Books (Star)

New Cover Art for DIVINE BY BLOOD

James Griffin, the amazing artist who created the covers for DIVINE BY MISTAKE AND DIVINE BY CHOICE has done it again! I absolutely adore this cover for my September LUNA release, DIVINE BY BLOOD. It's such a treat seeing this while I'm still working on the manuscript. Actually, this scene (which the LUNA art director,Kathleen Oudit, envisioned) eerily mirrors something I already had in mind. Now that I've seen this I'm going to really bring the scene alive! And I do believe I'm going to put Morrigan in this exact outfit - LOVE IT. You can check out James's blog at http://www.paintlayers.blogspot.com/ for more info on his fabulous art. There has been some talk of releasing the art to these three covers as limited edition prints. I say HELL YES! What do y'all say?

Scrumptious new release!

Jaci Burton writes deliciously sexy books, and I have been looking forward to her new release, SURVIVING DEMON ISLAND. Yes, I'm going to admit that I watch some reality shows. It's embarrassing but true that I've been known to be totally addicted to trash TV. So mixing a reality show format with paranormal and heat - I'm there, baby!

Speaking of being there: Jaci and I will be part of a group of lovely authors who will be at the Tulsa 71st Street Barnes and Noble Friday, Feb. 9, @ 7:00, to celebrate the lovers' month with a fun party and book signing. Please stop in and see us!

Here's the info about Jaci's new release:

Kai steadfastly refuses to tell us the purpose of his unexpected visit until the new High Priestess joined us

Major News!

Okay, we have been waiting and waiting to announce this fabulous news and have finally been given the go ahead to say something, so here it is: Sony TV has optioned all four novellas from our wonderful MYSTERIA anthology for a cable TV miniseries! So that's MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, Gena Showalter and moi (please see lovely photo of "us" above). Talk about a wonderful holiday gift! Stay tuned for updates!

Let's hear it for the Goddesses!

I like to support sister goddess authors (as well as Tor's paranormal/fantasy romance line), so be sure you check out Shannon McKelden's first novel, VENUS ENVY (such a delicious title)!

Here's the scoop:

VENUS ENVY by Shannon McKelden

(TOR Books, December 26, 2006)

Take one hunky firefighter, one stubborn "Cinderella," and one very reluctant fairy godmother and what do you get?

Rachel Greer wants no part of Venus's scheme to land Mr. March as her Prince Charming, but Venus is determined to do just that. She's only a few love-life fixes short of returning to her former goddess status, and she's not letting one mulish mortal stand in her way.

It appears the only way Rachel can get rid of the very un-Disney-like fairy godmother is to play along. So she follows Venus's plan to interview Luke Stanton's ex-girlfriends...which Venus believes will cure Rachel's relationship fears, but which Rachel knows will only prove her point that men are never what they appear to be.

But, when Venus's plan appears to work, and Rachel and Luke fall in love, does Rachel dare set aside her fears about happily ever? Or will betrayal send her back into relationship seclusion...this time forever?

And what happens when a goddess-turned-fairy godmother breaks the most important rule--protecting herself from human emotions?


Excerpt:
http://www.shannonmckelden.com/venus1.htm

Cover:
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0765315858.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V62234549_.jpg

ABOUT SHANNON McKELDEN

Shannon McKelden has wanted to be a writer since she earned a coveted ‘A+++’ from her 9th grade English teacher. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her high school sweetheart, two kids, two cats, a dog and a crow.

REVIEWS

Witty, funny, and truly original, McKelden’s romance is a standout. -- Booklist

Sexy, clever and fun, Venus Envy is absolutely delightful from beginning to end. Author Shannon McKelden has talent to spare. –Jane Porter, author of The Frog Prince

Debut author McKelden is undeniably talented, milking a fun plot for all it's worth. 3 Stars. – Romantic Times


Website: http://www.shannonmckelden.com

Delicious anthology

I'm hearing lovely things about the UNLEASHED anthology, especially Lucy Monroe's novella. Check it out:

“Come Moonrise” by Lucy Monroe featured in UNLEASHED
(Berkley, December 5, 2006)

Ty MacAnlup has seen the tragedy that a mating between a werewolf and a human can bring and he wants no part of it, no matter how much his body and heart ache for a taste of Frankie's softness. Frankie has loved Ty for years and while she doesn't know he's a werewolf, or even that such things exist...she does know that to her, he's always been more than a mere man. Ty's hidden beast wreaks havoc with his determination to stay away from Frankie when they are trapped together in a small cabin in the snow bound wilderness.

Excerpt:
http://www.lucymonroecotm.com/excerpt_cm.htm

Cover:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0425212114/ref=dp_image_text_0/002-6782187-3030458?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

ABOUT LUCY MONROE
Award winning author Lucy Monroe sold her first book in September of 2002. Since then she has sold more than 30 books to three publishers and hit national bestsellers lists in the US and England. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten. Whether it's a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy single title for Kensington or a steamy historical or paranormal for Berkley, Lucy's books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all.


Website: http://www.lucymonroe.com
http://www.lucymonroecotm.com

YA BOOK COVER!

Finally! Kristin and I got a look at the cover for book 1 of our YA HOUSE OF NIGHT series, MARKED. It was definitely worth the wait! St. Martin's says they're still tinkering with it, but we love it! Check it out...