Catherine Bybee's Blog, page 18

Three More Weeks! Not Quite Dating

Only three more weeks! 

Wanna glimpse? Another excerpt? 

Okay... here you go. 





“I can make it from here,” she told him. Jack ignored her and opened his door. “In Texas, a man never lets a lady walk to her door alone. Especially at night.” Besides, how would he kiss her if he didn’t walk her home? She laughed, a warm inviting sound that pulled on Jack’s heartstrings. “I don’t want to tick off all the men in Texas.” “Good.” After opening her door and helping her out of the car, Jack let her lead the way to her apartment door. The floral scent of her perfume followed her down the hall. He noted the number on her door for future use. Tresses of her hair draped over her slender neck as she glanced at her door. “This is me,” she said as she turned toward him. Jack stood close, close enough to see surprise in her eyes at his being there. She didn’t back away. When she caught her lip between her teeth, Jack’s pulse shot high. Jessie’s gaze slid from his eyes to his lips, inadvertently inviting his kiss. He didn’t give her a chance to protest.

Pre-Order HERE  

Squee! I have Cover Art!

Not Quite Dating is my November 13th release and lookie what I got!

Isn't it lovely?

I cannot wait to share Jack and Jessie's story with you!

Pre-Order HERE 


Waitress and single mom Jessica “Jessie” Mann is practical to a fault. Even if she had time to date, which she doesn’t, she’d be determined to provide her son with a more secure upbringing than the one she had—and that would mean a husband with big bucks. When Jack Morrison—a sexy-as-sin, seemingly broke customer with a cowboy hat and a seductive grin—tries to flirt with her, she shoots him down. She doubts a carefree dreamer like Jack can provide the financial stability she needs. Yet with Christmas just weeks away, and Jessie not wanting to spend it alone, the charming Texan is proving hard to resist.
As the heir to the Morrison luxury hotel empire, Jack is used to being fawned over. But Jack needs someone who will fall in love with him—not his wealth. He’s set his sights on Jessie, though her hardened heart just might get in the way…To be sure, he conceals his true identity and offers to help Jessie find the rich husband she seeks. But Jack’s daring charade may rob him of the holiday wish he wants most of all…

Short Excerpt ~ Not Quite Dating ~

Not Quite Dating is nearly here... as in just about a month away! And I can't wait.

I have a lil' tiny excerpt here to whet your appetite.

Just in time for the holidays I bring to you Jack and Jessie.

Blurb:

Waitress and single mom Jessica "Jessie" Mann is practical to a fault. Even if she had time to date, which she doesn't, she'd be determined to provide for her son with a more secure upbringing than the one she had--and that would mean a husband with big bucks. When Jack Morrison--a sexy-as-sin, seemingly broke customer with a cowboy hat and a seductive grin--tries to flirt with her, she shoots him down. She doubts a carefree dreamer like Jack can provide the financial stability she needs. Yet with Christmas just weeks away, and Jessie not wanting to spend it along, the charming Texan is proving hard to resist.

As the heir to the Morrison luxury hotel empire, Jack is used to being fawned over. But jack needs someone who will fall in love with him--not his wealth. He's set his sights on Jessie, though her hardened heart just might get in the way...To be sure, he conceals his true identity and offers to help Jessie find the rich husband she seeks But Jack's daring charade may rob him of the holiday wish he wants most of all...



Short Excerpt:



Jack was too much of a gentleman, too nice a guy. He respected her wishes even if he didn’t believe in them. The man of the hour stepped closer to her, took his finger, and lifted her chin so they looked at each other. “We are friends, Jessie.” “Really, Jack. That’s what we are…friends?” “Of course.” “Just friends. Are you saying that if I took my clothes off right now and offered myself to you, you wouldn’t take me up on it?” The words first widened Jack’s eyes. A hot current of need flashed on his face; the effect shot molten heat straight to her core. Then those sparkling gray eyes narrowed. “I’m not a saint, Jessie, and you know how I feel about you.” His husky voiced confirmed what his expression had already said. “Friends don’t sleep with friends.” Her words were weak. “Say the word, and I’ll turn this friendship into a relationship faster than a rattlesnake can strike his prey.” He would, she knew he would. The fire in his gaze said more than any of his words could. “To what end, Jack?” Jessie pulled away from him, felt tears sting her eyes. “What is wrong with me? There has to be more out there than dreaming fantasies in cowboy boots and lawyers who peg me as a quick roll because I wait tables and have a kid.” Jack grasped her arm and swung her around to face him. His face grew stone cold. All fire and heat forgotten. “What did you say?”  

Pre Order HERE ~ 

Spotlight on Marquita Valentine ~ Giveaway

Please welcome Marquita to my blog. Leave a comment below to enter a chance to win a free download of her latest book. Remember to leave your .com email addy! 

  Not even Holland Springs' Most Notorious Resident can stop this Love Spell.


Customers come to Rose Holland’s apothecary shop for three things: to hear her uncanny matchmaking advice, to buy the “magical” hair and skin products she sells, and to accuse her of trying to steal their men. For years Rose has been entirely innocent and almost content with that status quo. But that was before sexy, smooth-talking Sasha Romanov came to town and made her want to use her love potions on him… until he broke her heart. Now corrupt town officials want to seize her land and sell it to an industrial giant, and her only hope for help looks like the one man she can’t trust—or stop herself from falling under his spell. 


Alexander “Sasha” Romanov seems like every woman’s dream: charming, handsome and fabulously rich. But while the people of Holland Springs think he’s in town to generously invest in their economy (and possibly one of their daughters), Sasha struggles to save his sick mother from his vicious uncle’s plans by doing everything the greedy businessman wants. And Vlad Romanov wants Rose Holland’s land—at any cost. 


Despite Sasha’s vow to get the job done and keep his hands (and everything else!) off Rose, the blue-eyed witch enchants him. But his mother’s life remains in the balance. Sasha must find a way to protect his mother, sabotage his uncle’s plans, and win the woman who’s captured his heart without destroying everything she loves.
"A refreshing, whimsical contemporary romance with complex characters and bursts of emotion that tugs on your heartstrings. Kept me up till one AM reading!"~ Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Third-Times-Holland-Springs-ebook/dp/B0096TKHAO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347028103&sr=8-1&keywords=third+time%27s+a+charm+by+marquita+valentineNook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/third-times-a-charm-marquita-valentine/1112778234?ean=2940015071283
Rose closed the door and whirled to face him. “Could you be more rude?”“Let me have a go at him and you can judge for yourself.”Fisting her hands on her hips, she glared at Sasha. “You- you spoiled—”Sasha pounced, backing her up against the door and placing a palm along each side of her head. “Yes, I’m spoiled. I’m ruined and it’s all your fault.”She gaped at him. “My fault?”“Yes, yours—the woman who drives me insane. The woman I dream about kissing.  The woman I hunger to be inside.” His head dipped down, full lips and sexy beauty mark at the corner dangerously close.  “And right now, I’m so damn jealous that I want to...” He turned away but she placed her hand on his jaw and forced his face back to hers.“To what?”   The heat in his eyes made her legs tremble. “I want to lock you in my bedroom with meand not let you out until, until…”She licked her lips. “Until when?” she prompted. A small part of her reveled in this, his torture. She wanted him to hurt. To feel something.He laughed, but it was mirthless. “Never, I never want to let you out.”“Why?” she demanded. “What’s changed between last week and tonight?”“Nothing. Everything. Christ, Rose. I’m so damn sorry and...and I don’t know what to do or say.” He looked as though he truly meant it.  Regret seemed to fill his green eyes and she couldn’t make herself look away. This was the real him.“You made me cry,” she whispered. He rested his head against her forehead, his golden hair soft and silky. “I’m a bastard.”“I waited up for you. I put on my prettiest dress.” Tears grew thick in throat. She would not cry in front of him. She only wanted him to know how badly he hurt her.  But honestly, if he’d cared, he wouldn’t have been so cruel in the first place. Lifting her shaking hands, she tried to push him away, but he wrapped his arms around her and held her close.“Forgive me,” he said, his breath hot in her hair. He kissed the side of her neck, her jaw and her cheek. “I need your forgiveness, Rosebud.”Turning before he could find her mouth and she lost all self-control, she said, “I’ll give you another chance.” She wriggled out of his embrace, running upstairs to her room and shutting the door behind her.  Pressing cold fingers to her heated cheeks, she closed her eyes and sank to the floor. What had she done?

  Marquita Valentine writes small town romances that are anything but small. Lisa Kleypas, Carly Phillips and Rachel Gibson are among her favorite contemporary authors. Marquita met her husband aka Hot Builder at Sonic when they were in high school. She suggests this location to all of her single friends in search of a good man -- and if that doesn't work, they can console themselves with cheesy tater tots. She lives in North Carolina in a very, very small town with Hot Builder and their two children. You can find Marquita all over the internet:Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15779191-third-time-s-a-charmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarquitaValentineTwitter: https://twitter.com/#!/marquitavalWebsite: http://marquitavalentine.blogspot.com/Blog: http://ladyscribes.blogspot.com/
One lucky commentor will win an e-copy of Third Time’s a Charm!

On Tour With JT Geissinger

Welcome to my corner of the blogging world.Let's get a little of the formalities out of the way.
Tell us a little about yourself and the genre you write.
First, thanks for hosting me! I’m a serious bookaholic and devour books like there’s no tomorrow, which is one of the reasons I began to write. It seemed almost like a natural progression! I write paranormal romance, though I’ve been told it crosses over into urban fantasy. In my spare time I own and manage a flower shop with my husband which is another great outlet for creativity, and a nice break from sitting in front of the computer for hours on end writing.

What do you love about being a writer?
Everything. I love being able to say I’m a writer. I love the headspace I get in when I write. I love the process of structuring a story and getting to know all the characters I’ll be writing about. I love the research and the editing and working with my publisher and everything in between. Everything about writing just does it for me and I’m incredibly grateful I get to do this every day.
What do you hate about being a writer?
Writer’s block. It is a very real thing I’ve recently come to understand. My first two books were finished in about four months each and I was able to write straight through from beginning to end without a hiccup. My current work in progress, however, is taking shape in fits and starts and I’m trying not to pressure myself, but having faith that I can bring it all together in time for my next deadline is challenging. Fingers crossed!
If there was one thing about the industry you could change, what would it be?
I’d give authors a fairer percentage of their e-book sales.
What do you like better, Twitter or Facebook? Why?
Probably Facebook because it’s more intimate and I can interact with fans on what feels like a more personal level. On Twitter, you’re just sending random thoughts out into the void. They’re both huge time suckers, though!
Tell us about your latest release and were we can find it.
Edge of Oblivion is book two of the Night Prowler Novels. It reunites readers with the Ikati, a race of beautiful, savage shape-shifters who live hidden from the everyday world, the rebel within their ranks who will risk everything for a chance at freedom, and the brooding assassin who might end her life...or lay claim to her soul. It’s available on Amazon
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Oblivion-Night-Prowler-Novel-ebook/dp/B007SX0246/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1


Rapid Fire Questions
Milk or Dark Chocolate? Milk. I hate bitter dark chocolate.Wine or Beer? Wine.Beach or Mountains? Beach near the mountains.RV or Hotel? Hotel, girl, please!Driving or Flying? Flying.Toilet Paper...Over or Under? I’m flexible.


About the Author:  

A life-long lover of reading and a self-professed “book addict,” J.T. Geissinger didn’t realize her dream of writing a novel until a milestone birthday forced her to take stock of her goals in life. Always believing the right time to commit to putting pen to paper would magically announce itself, it took waking up one cold January morning with a shiny new zero as the second number in her age to kick start her determination.

More than a year and two unsold novels later, it was time to take stock again.

But her determination matched her initial procrastination, and she kept on writing and learning and trying to improve, trusting that if it was meant to be, it would be.

Then, during a trip to Italy in honor of their 10th wedding anniversary and the honeymoon she and her husband never took, she received an email that would change her life. It was from a literary agent, and it contained the three words every aspiring author longs to hear: “I loved it.”

The manuscript was sold to Montlake Romance who published it six months later. Hitting the Amazon bestseller lists in both the US and the UK within weeks of publication, Shadow’s Edge was book one of the Night Prowler Novels. Book two, Edge of Oblivion published October 2nd, and book three will follow in the spring of 2013. Three additional installations in the Night Prowler series are planned for the future.
www.jtgeissinger.com
www.facebook.com/JTGeissinger
www.twitter.com/JTGeissinger
www.goodreads.com/JTGeissinger

NY Times Bestseller .99 cent sale

That's right folks. I have my New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Wife by Wednesday, on sale for one week only.

For only .99 cents (Do I sound like a commercial yet?) you can pick up this holiday read.

"But Catherine... I've already read Wife by Wednesday."
How about buying a copy for your friend? Have it delivered to their e-reader?

So for my Nook and my Kindle readers, you can check your online store and fall into the world of Samantha and Blake.

Why now? It's been exactly one year since I released Wife by Wednesday so I'm practically giving it away.
For my readers who don't know... Married by Monday is also available now for only $2.99.

(Yep, I'm a commercial!)

But wait...there's more! Fiance by Friday will be coming to you in Spring of 2013. Can't wait until then to read a Bybee Contemporary Romance?

Then check out my new series by pre-ordering Not Quite Dating. Just click HERE for the link.

xoxo

Catherine 

Make Welcome Laura Landin

·         Please join me in welcoming Laura Landin to my blog today. She has three wonderful books to talk about today. As I do with all my fellow Montlake Authors, I have several questions about her experience with this new and amazing publisher. 


          How has Amazon Montlake been to work with?
Montlake has been utterly amazing! I couldn’t be happier. Montlake contacted me at about the time they released their first romance. I have to admit, I’d never heard of them – so I turned them down! Thankfully, my Prairie Muse editor explained who they were and suggested I call them back and at least talk to them. It’s a call I’ve never regretted making. I cannot imagine any other publishing house being as considerate of their authors as Montlake is. They are amazing!

·          What do you think about self publishing?
If it wouldn’t be for self publishing, I wouldn’t be a published author. Because of self publishing, I am able to get my stories into the hands of readers. That’s something I never thought I’d do. Self publishing opened doors that were closed to many writers and I love every minute of it. This is a perfect time to be a writer.
·         What do you love about being a writer?
I love creating characters and building their worlds. I love inventing a larger-than-life hero and a heroine who can give him a run for his money. I love dragging my characters through every imaginable hardship, then making him or her a better person for what they’ve endured. But, I especially love that last page, where my characters find their happily-ever-after.
·          What do you hate about being a writer?
I hate the self-doubts and fear that every writer has. I’m always terrified that my story isn’t any good and no one will like it. That’s a fear that never goes away, no matter how many books I write. I hate staring at two possibilities and not knowing which one my character should choose. I hate the isolationism of being a writer. But most of all, I hate the thought of never getting to tell another story.
·          If there was one thing about the industry you could change, what would it be?
I think that change is already happening. Self published authors are already seeing their works validated. And the role of a traditional publisher is already changing. The time when a traditional publisher determined a writer’s success or failure is over. Like I said before, this is a wonderful time to be an author.
·          Nearly all romance novels have shhh, sex, in them. How do you answer the never ending question, Why do you write THAT kind of book? Or even better… How do you do your RESEARCH?
I simply tell the person asking the question that I only know what I’ve read in books.
·          What do you like better, Twitter or Facebook? Why?
I have to admit I like Twitter better. I’m not sure why except I can’t navigate my way around Facebook. Twitter is easier for me and it’s faster and I don’t have to figure out how to download pictures.
·          And the most important question ever... Do you roll your toilet paper over the roll or under the roll?
Definitely “under”. From little on, that’s how Mom made us do it. It was just like hanging socks on the line. They all had to “walk” going the same direction!


        Tell us about your latest release and were we can find it.
I’m really excited to announce that on October 16, 2012, Montlake will release three Victorian Era Romances.

THE MOST TO LOSEA High-Stakes CourtshipWhen Jonah Armstrong, Earl of Haywood, returns to London after a three year absence, his plan is simple:re-enter Society, find a wealthy bride, and save the Haywoodname from ruin. He has no time for distractions. Yet whenhe encounters Lady Cecelia Randolph, Jonah can’t resista flirtation. After all, his feud with her brother, the Dukeof Hadleigh, necessitated Jonah’s recent exile; he’s entitledto his revenge. But within seconds Jonah realizes he’sunderestimated Cecelia. The gangly girl he once knew hasblossomed into a beauty of rare intellect and character. Hecan’t possibly marry the Duke of Hadleigh’s sister…can he?A Gamble of the HeartCecelia has loved Jonah forever, but she’s no fool. Hisattentions are motivated not by passion, but by her generousdowry—and his thirst for vengeance against her brother.Yet when Jonah risks everything to protect her from herbrother’s crazed fury, Cecelia dares to hope true love iswithin her reach at last.


SILENT REVENGEA Marriage of ConvenienceSuch is the agreement forged between Lady Jessica Stantonand Simon Warland, Earl of Northcote. Jessica needs ahusband strong enough to protect her inheritance from heravaricious stepbrother. Simon needs money to restore thefamily legacy his father squandered. United by necessity,emotional attachment isn’t part of the deal.An Unexpected PassionYet once the reluctant newlyweds are living under thesame roof, Simon can’t ignore the startling intellect, gentlestrength, and graceful beauty Jessica keeps so carefullyhidden from the world. And Jessica is intrigued to discoverSimon’s formidable temper masks a kind, noble heart. Butwhen Simon’s true motive for their marriage is revealed,Jessica is devastated by his betrayal. Because, despite her bestintentions, she is falling in love with her husband. And loveis the last thing either of them wants—though it may beexactly what they need.

INTIMATE DECEPTION A Desperate ChoiceLady Grace Warren will do anything to protect her sisters,even betroth herself to a man so depraved that all of Londonfears him. Faced with a lifetime of misery, Grace has onlyone chance for escape: to relinquish her virtue before herwedding. Such abandon will destroy her reputation—and ensure her freedom. But when she disguises herselfas courtesan to lure a handsome nobleman, she cannotanticipate the tender surprise destiny has in store…A Twist of FateVincent Germaine, Duke of Raeburn has lost two wives inchildbirth and still has no heir. Racked by guilt and grief,he seeks comfort in the arms of an enchanting stranger. Butwhen he realizes their night of passion may have resultedin another dangerous pregnancy, he sets out to track downthe innocent female—only to find his heart captured by awoman of incomparable courage and beauty.

I'm all about twitter and facebook, so can you be sure and add your handles and links here....
Twitter: https://twitter.com@writerlauraWebsite: www.lauralandon.com

I need a book cover and buy links for all interviews.
Buy links:INTIMATE DECEPTION http://www.amazon.com/Intimate-Deception-ebook/dp/B007RQDQYWSILENT REVENGEhttp://www.amazon.com/Silent-Revenge-ebook/dp/B007RQDUNOTHE MOST TO LOSEhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Most-to-Lose-ebook/dp/B007RQDXIG

Wife by Wednesday On Sale 5th - 12th

Can you even believe it's been one year since I released Wife by Wednesday? I can't. In celebration of this anniversary I'm going to be placing the e-book  on sale for one week.

From October 5th to October 12th Wife by Wednesday will go on sale for $.99 cents.

As some of you know I have sold the Weekday Bride Series to Amazon Montlake who will be redistributing both Wife by Wednesday and Married by Monday after the first of the year. And of course Fiance by Friday will be out next spring and the forth book, Single by Saturday, will have a fall release in 2013.

Amazon LINK
Barnes & Noble LINK 

Make Welcome, Claire Ashgrove ~ Giveaway

Please make welcome my friend and fellow author, Clarie Ashgrove. I've known Claire for some time now and roomed together at RWA this last year. She has many different faces in publishing, the author of the Knights Templar being one of my personal favorites. Here is a bit about her yummy Knights. 
Farran de Clare, loyal member of the cursed Knights Templar, wants nothing to do with predestined mates. Even the Almighty won’t turn him into a fool again—he’d rather sacrifice his soul. Yet in the scientist Noelle Keane, a devout atheist, Farran meets the seraph designed for him.Ordered by the archangel Gabriel to protect Noelle, the possessor of a sacred relic that could give Azazel incredible power, Farran swears to do his duty—but in name only. Fighting an attraction that grows with each day, he’s determined that he’ll never pledge himself to her. As they war over her future, their mutual passion ignites a conflict far more damning. But before Noelle will agree to eternity with him, she demands the ultimate sacrifice – his heart.“Claire Ashgrove weaves complex layers of history, paranormal worlds and romantic fiction seamlessly.” ~NY Times and USAToday Bestselling Author of WIFE BY WEDNESDAY, Catherine Bybee on the Templar Series
Oh, wait...that's me. LOL. Welcome Claire!
Good morning, everyone!  Thanks so much, Catherine, for letting me come over to your place for the day as part of my Immortal Surrender Blog Tour. I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Catherine at RWA this year, and if I learned anything, it was that she’s never afraid of tongue and cheek remarks.  Be sure to check out the end of the post, where my giveaway info is listed too.
So let’s talk swords for a minute.  And no, I’m not talking about the 1980s Romance, ‘burgeoning sword of throbbing ecstasy” that was so prevalent.  You can thank me now for putting that image in your mind.  Hee.
I’m talking about the metal kind.  The kind that’s on Immortal Surrender’s cover.  What is it about a sword-wielding hero that makes us all “oooh” and “ahh”?
Personally, I think it speaks to power and strength.  I don’t know many men who can swing a 3 lb length of metal with any finesse for great amounts of time, much less find enough upper body strength to drive it clear through bone and dismember an opponent.  But a man who knows how to use a sword, really use a sword, can.  And he does so easily.  How’s that for sheer upper body strength?  Or emotional strength and power?  Let alone stamina.
I think also that a knight, or any sword-wielding hero, gives off personal strength.  Conviction if you will.  Arrogance.  The ultimate alpha attitude that inspires a degree of pleasant femininity in women.  A sword bearer is a take charge kind of guy who knows how to protect and will do so unhesitatingly.
Courage also comes to mind when I see a sword bearing hero.  Guns can be fired from a distance, battle made somewhat impersonal.  But this man has taken that shining blade to the enemy. He’s stood less than five feet away and looked an opponent in the eye.  He’s ducked his own share of felling blows, and he’s administered far more.
I don’t know about all of you, but when I see a sword in a man’s hand, there’s something about the scene that makes me melt.  Maybe it’s the link to the past that I’m addicted to.  But whatever it is, I can’t get enough.  I’ll take him, and his sword, home with me anytime.
With that, I leave you with Farran, who knows more than any man ought to about using swords.  And that, ladies, you may absolutely feel free to take the wrong way.
EXCERPT:
Her nerves chafed at his bold intrusion. But the sight of him rendered her unable to speak. She stared, wide-eyed, at the strange man who had seemed so outwardly normal only a few hours earlier. Where he’d worn jeans and a casual long-sleeved shirt, he now dressed in a costume straight out of the Middle Ages. A long white surcoat, embellished with a bold crimson cross, draped down to his calves. Beneath it, he wore a hauberk of linked chain, complete with a coif to cover his sandy hair. Well-worn vambraces on his forearms matched the supple leather of his boots. The sword he’d brandished in Mikhail’s office hung from a belt pulled so tight, it accented the trimness of his waist.
Only, where the actors she’d seen at the Renaissance festivals looked stilted and uncomfortable in their costumes, Farran wore his with the practiced comfort that belonged in the movies.
As if he wore the stuff daily.
Noelle blinked. She found her cobweb-covered tongue and managed to squeak, “What are you doing here?”
He pulled at the fingers on his gloves. One by one, they gave, and he slapped them lightly against his thigh before setting them on the small table near her door. “We are paired. Here is where I shall stay.”
“Oh.”
The short retort was all she could find, and she sagged back against the couch cushions. She ought to be surprised, ought to be furious. But the dilemma with the torc had sapped her energy so completely she didn’t care. She’d spent the last two days with Farran. It was becoming almost natural to have him in her personal space. Besides, while she’d never admit it aloud, she’d rather not spend another minute alone and let her mind run away with possibilities.
“I shall sleep where you sit. The bed shall remain yours.” Farran’s hands dropped to his waist to give the buckle a tug. His belt fell away from his hips, and he leaned his sheathed sword against the wall. “I require a bath. Then I require rest.”
His fingers stilled over the vambrace strings. For several silent seconds he gave her a thoughtful stare. He opened his mouth, shut it. His brows tugged together. Then he let out a nearly inaudible sigh. “If you wish to watch your television, I could rest in the other room. I would remove myself when you are ready to retire.”            The bone was small, nearly tooth size. Yet Noelle realized the thrown offering in an instant. His quiet tone, the warm light in his eyes, the sheer work it took to summon the words—Farran was trying to be friendly.

Claire’s Giveaway:
Claire is giving away one digital copy of any one of her backlist books, excepting those in the Templar series, to one randomly drawn commenter at each stop on the blog tour.  In addition, commenters’ names will be added into the tour-end drawing of a 25.00 Amazon gift card.  Follow the tour – the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.  Complete tour dates can be found here.
About the Author:Award-Winning Author Claire Ashgrove has been writing since her early teens and maintained the hobby for twenty years before deciding to leap into the professional world. Her first contemporary novel, Seduction's Stakes, sold to The Wild Rose Press in 2008, where she continues to write steamy, sexy stories for the Champagneand Black Rose lines. Adding to these critically acclaimed romances, Claire’s paranormal romance series, The Curse of the Templars debuted with Tor in January 2012. For those who prefer the more erotic side of romance, she also writes for Berkley Heat as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire. She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, and her local RWA chapters, Heartland Romance Authors, Midwest Romance Writers, and North Texas Romance Writers of America. Claire lives in Missouriwith her two sons and too-many horses, cats, and dogs. In her “free” time, she enjoys cooking, winning at Rummy, studying Ancient Civilizations, and spending quiet moments with her family, including the critters. To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.claireashgrove.com, or www.toristclaire.com.  You can also connect with her via Facebook, and Twitter.

Writing Romance is Hard Work

I'm taking a short break from my grueling writing schedule to jump *on my soap box* for just a few minutes.

For the naysayers out there who think a writers job is easy...I say, you're not a professional writer and wouldn't know. There are days my characters act out and don't want to play, an others where I need to run to catch up with them. Seldom do they calmly whisper in my ear and tell me their story.

Four days ago when my hubby was leaving the house I stuck my tongue in my cheek and said. "I'm not leaving my office until my hero and heroine, currently Neil and Gwen, get horizontal and sweaty." Or vertical, or on a trapeze...made no difference to me. But damn if those two had to go and wait three days before they finally got down to it. And not because I wasn't writing, but because they had to work out some issues before they could be intimate.

Unlike any job I've ever had in my life this job is all about self discipline, determination, and back bone. Three days after my shoulder surgery exactly two weeks ago today, I drug myself back in my office because I'm on a deadline, and I take that seriously. Did I work all day? No, couldn't. But I did work. And when I wasn't in my office I was laying on the couch with my cold pack and my iPad networking or getting other parts of my job done...ie, working out details with my agent and editor.

I love what I do. I'm so damn happy to be getting paid to write I can sing it to the trees.
But my job isn't easy. I'm always on. I'm either writing a book, thinking about what to write in a book, selling a book, or talking to my fans about books.

It's still hard work. I suppose if I only wrote one book a year I couldn't say that. But this is my job and I have more than one book a year inside me.

*off soap box*

Upcoming Releases

Not Quite Dating
November ? 2012

Fiance by Friday
Spring 2013 ~ Details in my newsletter

Not Quite Mine
Spring 2013

Amber's story TBA 2013

Single by Saturday
October 2013

Not Quite Enough
TBA