Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 165

COVER REVEAL: FINDING ABIGAIL

Holy Ripped Abs, Batman! Yes, this is my new cover for Holiday, Montana Book 3, FINDING ABIGAIL, out Feb 2013. OMG, I love it. Scott Carpenter did freaking amazing on this cover. It matches the series and this man is totally Tyler. FYI, the model is named George and this is a special unique image that makes me happy!
So...what do you think?

Finding Abigail Blurb
Tyler Cooper is the town sheriff and, in the past, had been the only person keeping Holiday steady. Though the community is now finding out that it’s town is magical, Tyler has always known it—it’s in his blood.  He has always known his fate of becoming a cupid, striking love into the hearts others, but an enemy from his past is set on keeping him from finding his own destiny—and love.Abigail Clarke is leaving Holiday for good. She has to. After years of trying to fit in and make Tyler notice her, she’s giving up. She’s watched her friends fall in love and it’s  heartbreaking. Acknowledging that the one man she’s always loved doesn’t want her,  it’s time to move on and find her own future.Right when the stars align and Tyler opens his eyes, his enemy is back and has his sights on Abigail. Abigail is in danger and Tyler  may be the only one to stand up to him and save her.
Warning: Contains one sexy sheriff who turns into cupid, complete with bow and arrow, the sweetest teacher you’ll ever meet who needs to find her bad girl side, and a love of candy hearts that’s sure to bring them together.

Another Sneak Peak into SANTA'S EXECUTIVE

Here's a sneak peak into Santa's Executive, out NOW!


He framed her face with his hands and deepened the kiss, his tongue touching hers, their mouths moving with each other. It was the sweetest of kisses. She moaned again, and he nipped at her lip. He kissed her harder, and she pulled back.“Damn, I loved that.” There was that love word again.“That can't happen again,” she whispered.





Santa’s Executive - Holiday, Montana Book 2 Justin Cooper wasn’t always the straight-laced Holiday Elementary School principal. In his youth, he broke all the rules and enjoyed being the bad Cooper brother.  One Christmas Eve night he got a little too rowdy and things changed forever. Now the consequences of that fateful night have come back in full force and the myths of Christmas might be more real than he thought.Rina Brewer is one of Santa’s elves. Not the tiny cute little toy maker, but the sexy, petite, energy filled bombshell kind. She’s come to Holiday to aid Justin in his new role as Santa’s executive, but as soon as she sees the sexy ex-bad boy, she realizes the job may be more than she bargained for.As they work together to make this Christmas one to remember, an old foe has come to town to make sure that his holiday is the coldest yet.Warning: Contains a perky elf who dreams of something more, a Christmas myth who may be a baddie, and a sexy ex-bad boy who craves Christmas cookies…and a certain perky blonde.Find it On:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe | KoboFind it in Print Here:eStore | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Santa's Executive Release Day!

The second book in the Holiday, Montana series is here! Justin and Rina get a happy ever after in a heartwarming and sexy tale about Christmas, the holidays, and a big baddie. Oh, and the love of sugar cookies. Yum.

Santa’s Executive - Holiday, Montana Book 2
Justin Cooper wasn’t always the straight-laced Holiday Elementary School principal. In his youth, he broke all the rules and enjoyed being the bad Cooper brother. One Christmas Eve night he got a little too rowdy and things changed forever. Now the consequences of that fateful night have come back in full force and the myths of Christmas might be more real than he thought.

Rina Brewer is one of Santa’s elves. Not the tiny cute little toy maker, but the sexy, petite, energy filled bombshell kind. She’s come to Holiday to aid Justin in his new role as Santa’s executive, but as soon as she sees the sexy ex-bad boy, she realizes the job may be more than she bargained for.

As they work together to make this Christmas one to remember, an old foe has come to town to make sure that his holiday is the coldest yet.

Warning: Contains a perky elf who dreams of something more, a Christmas myth who may be a baddie, and a sexy ex-bad boy who craves Christmas cookies…and a certain perky blonde.

Find it On:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe | Kobo
Find it in Print Here:eStore | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Sizzling Hot Book of the Year

Yay! ENFORCER'S REDEMPTION is nominated for Sizzling Hot Book of the Year! I'd love your vote if you want Adam and Bay to win! Yay!


http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2012/12/sizzling-read-of-year.html

My First Anniversary Giveaway Extravaganza

Can you believe it's already been a year? Or is that only? When I started out, I thought that maybe my aunt and one or two people would buy An Alpha's Path and I'd still be able to at least write for myself only.

I'm so glad my readers proved me wrong. You guys rock. I'm now in print and my eighth book comes out Tuesday. That's EIGHT. How did that happen? LOL I have three series that are in full force and a forth series that I get to write with my BFF. 

I never thought I'd be able to do all this. And I know it's because of you. Because you guys go out and tell others about my books. Word of mouth is the best form of promotion and every time you tell someone you liked my book, review it, put up some stars, mention it to someone, and so on, you help me do what I love. You guys go on forums, Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, and other places and tell people that you love my books. You guys are amazing.

I get to write and I get to feed my family because of it. That's amazing to me. So thank you.

And to really show how much I'm thankful, I'm doing a massive giveaway. I'm giving out THREE major prizes to ONE person. I'm so freaking happy with y'all! This contest is international so everyone is welcome.

I love you guys so much! Just keep doing what you're doing and I can keep doing what I'm doing.

The three prizes:

1. $100 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card.
2. You'll get Redwood Pack Vol 1 and Vol 2 in Print from me autographed and everything.
3. an eARC promise of ALL my books in 2013. That's 11 books (including volumes) that you get before others can buy.

Does that sound good?

Follow the rafflecopter and I'll chose a winner! Thank you!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fresh Friday Reads: Week of 11.26.12

What have you read this week? It's been a great week for paranormal reads so I'm a busy bee over here when I'm not writing. Come on over and let me know in the comments section what new release got you interested!

Wild About You - Kerrelyn Sparks

Handsome Howard...
Hunky Howard...
Hot Howard...

It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick...

Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he's a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.

Shadow's Claim - Kresley Cole

#1 New York Times bestseller Kresley Cole introduces The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist, a new paranormal series following the royal bloodline of Dacia, a vampire kingdom hidden within the Lore of the Immortals After Dark. Shadow’s Claim features Prince Trehan, a ruthless master assassin who will do anything to possess Bettina, his beautiful sorceress mate, even compete for her hand in a blood-sport tournament— to the death.

HE WON’T BE DENIED 

Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people—striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself—until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore’s most fearsome villains.

SHE’S BOUND TO ANOTHER 

Desperate to earn her guardians’ approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she’s lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure.

Drive Me Wild - Christine Warren

Tess Menzies can work a spell with a few blinks of her baby blue eyes. But this dedicated witch can’t summon up a single good reason she’s been made an envoy between her kind and Manhattan’s fiercest were-creatures. The two sides haven’t spoken in four hundred years, and she’ll need every miracle in the book to broker any kind of truce. And that means outwitting Council of Others leader Rafael De Santos whose tantalizing moves and fierce hungry kisses are magic even a formidable sorceress can’t resist . . .

It doesn’t take a cat’s supernatural senses for Rafael to suspect that there’s something strange about this unexpected peace offering. And finding the truth is just as tempting as uncovering the secrets Tess is trying to conceal. Why, she’s tantalizing enough to make this wandering were-jaguar think he’s found the perfect mate—one he’s only dreamed of. But his stealth and her spells can’t guarantee they have a chance at survival, much less a future together…

Steel's Edge - Ilona Andrews

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is a fairy tale—and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…

Charlotte de Ney is as noble as they come, a blueblood straight out of the Weird. But even though she possesses rare magical healing abilities, her life has brought her nothing but pain. After her marriage crumbles, she flees to the Edge to build a new home for herself. Until Richard Mar is brought to her for treatment, and Charlotte’s life is turned upside down once again.

Richard is a swordsman without peer, future head of his large and rambunctious Edger clan—and he’s on a clandestine quest to wipe out slavers trafficking humans in the Weird. So when his presence leads his very dangerous enemies to Charlotte, she vows to help Richard destroy them. The slavers’ operation, however, goes deeper than Richard knows, and even working together, Charlotte and Richard may not survive...

A Guest Post with Kendall McKenna and a Giveaway

Size DOES Matter, If You Like Them Long
Do I have your attention now? Yeah, I thought so!So, do you like your books long or short? Do you prefer completing a journey in a matter of hours? Or do you like when reading a story takes days and days?What do you mean, that’s not what you thought I was going to talk about? Of course I was referring to story length, what else could it have been? While I am an author of M/M erotic romance, this is a subject that is relevant to anyone who enjoys indie published e-books. I’ve explored this topic before when I’ve guest blogged, and it has always resulted in some lively discussion. It’s something that writers, readers and editors can all weigh in on, so it’s very inclusive. I’m bringing it up again because there have been some changes in the publishing landscape recently, and the upheaval continues. I wondered if opinions had changed, or if anyone was suddenly seeing a greater number of long stories available for purchase at reasonable prices. Previously, when I’ve discussed this topic, there were actually some commonalities, and those most likely haven’t changed. First, even those of us who prefer long, complex books agree that there are times a short, quick read is the way to go. Most everyone agrees that having both novels and novellas and even short stories is a good thing. Second, finding the longer stories isn’t all that easy. There appears (or appeared) to be a glut of shorter stories on the market. Third, price is an issue. We all seem to have thresholds for what we are willing to pay for e-books of certain lengths, and the presses tend to over-charge for the longer stories. And finally, quality. No one wants to read a long story that goes nowhere and has weak characters. Just because an author can write a lot of words, doesn’t necessarily mean the author should write a lot of words. And just to establish a frame of reference, let’s say that when we talk about shorts, we’re talking 0-20,000 words. Novellas are roughly 20,000 – 50,000 words. Novels are 50,000 – 80,000 words and super novels are 80,000+. So, here’s the thing: I prefer super novels that take me days to read. Yes, that’s right; I like ‘em big! As an author, I can write a story at any length necessary, but again, I prefer to write novel or super novel length. I’m also capable of writing the longer stories and maintaining character and story arcs. I didn’t wake up one morning with the ability, though. I went out and learned the craft of writing. As a reader, I have difficulty finding stories longer than say, 20-30 thousand words. Those I find are often outrageously priced. The question I keep coming back to, and keep asking over and over is, who is most responsible for the lack of quality novels and super novels at reasonable prices? Yes, publishers set the cover price for books. But why do some of them consistently over-price the longer stories? Are authors writing 20,000 words in a matter of weeks, having it proof read (sometimes not even that), and then submitting them, giving the publishers no other choice, if they want to have anything to publish? Or are the presses demanding the shorter, slap-dash stories? Would some authors be capable of producing longer, better stories if the presses provided better editing? And when I say editing, I don’t mean proofreading/line editing, I mean assisting with the development of character and plot. Are readers demanding quantity over quality? Or are they having to settle for that because it’s all that  publishers are offering?What about self-publishing? I personally haven’t had any good luck finding quality self-published books of any length. Has anyone else had better luck? If the publishers are all demanding shorter stories and an author has a longer novel he or she wants to share, I would think self-publishing would be a great thing. Then again, an acquaintance of mine finished a 25,000 word story on a Sunday and had it available for purchase on Amazon the following Friday. I always end up feeling like this is a chicken vs. egg question. I’m feeling dizzy. Have I talked myself in circles again? You all look really familiar…I feel like I’ve been here before…So, what about pricing? My personal threshold is $9.99. That’s the most I’ll pay for a super novel (e-book or paperback). Even if it’s a mainstream, New York published book, that’s my cap. I’ll pay up to $7.99 for a novel; $4.99 for a novella. Does anybody else feel differently?I mentioned earlier that the landscape of indie e-book publishing has changed in past months. Noble went through a reorganization; Samhain went from submission by invite only to open submissions, and Silver is in breach with its authors and losing authors and submissions. As a reader, I haven’t seen a shift toward easy availability of novels or super novels. As an author, I’ve experienced enthusiastic interest in my long manuscripts from the publishers. Readers have provided feedback that indicates their desire and appreciation for novels and super novels. I’m only one person, though. I’m interested in the perspective of other readers, writers and even editors. Now, because I’m a tease, I’m giving away a novella this week! 20,000 words of M/M erotic romance goodness.
Waves Break My Fall
Kage is a Marine, newly returned from Afghanistan and having difficulty adjusting to being home. He tries to decompress with a quiet trip to Puerto Vallarta. Zach is a new college graduate and facing the realities of adulthood. Will their hot summer fling grow into something more?
a Rafflecopter giveawayNow for the obligatory advertising!
I recently pulled my rights to certain of my titles from the e-press that was in breach of contract. This means I’m doing a series of re-releases of my earlier, shorter novellas. Next up on the calendar, releasing with 
MLR on December 14th, is Brothers In Arms.
Blurb:Jonah Carver is a Marine and combat veteran. He and his former Captain, Kellan Reynolds, once shared a scorching night, but then lost touch; something Jonah has long regretted. When an investigation into government corruption, and the murder of U.S. troops, ends in the killing of a V.I.P. on Jonah's watch, the FBI arrives. With them is Kellan Reynolds. Together once more, Jonah begins to believe in second chances and sparks fly. Nothing is that easy, though, as the suspects will stop at nothing to bring the investigation to an end. Jonah must keep everyone in his charge alive while helping the FBI and Kellan find the proof they need. When Kellan is kidnapped, Jonah has to find and rescue him. If he doesn't, not only will the investigation unravel, but he'll lose Kellan for a second time--for good.
Excerpt:Show More Show Less "Excellent. We're done here then." Jonah crossed the room and managed not to take the door off its hinges. He headed right for the front door of the manor house.Anger seared Jonah's insides. He wanted to run the perimeter of the firmbase, but he knew it wasn't safe. His fury nipped at his heels, driving him away from the manor house and toward—he didn't know what. Jonah needed to pace, to use up the energy of his rage. He kept running into cammie nets, Humvees, ammo cans, and trash. He balled his fist to punch something, and then stopped himself. He was right-handed and he needed that hand to pull the trigger. Jonah's wrath tangled with frustration and he kicked viciously at rocks in the dirt."I thought I'd find you here." Kellan's words carried to Jonah, even before he stepped around a Humvee and into view.Jonah's temper dissipated slightly at the sound of Kellan's voice, even as desire edged up his spine and settled in his belly. He damn well needed to get that reaction under control. The rapid ricochet of Jonah's emotions threw him off and fucked with his equilibrium. He jammed his curled fists onto his hips. "You knew this was going to happen, Kellan?" Jonah winced at the accusation in his own voice.Kellan drew a deep breath and seemed to weigh his words carefully. "I wrote an opinion for my consulting firm that dealt with the Big Three getting so many no-bid government contracts," he said as he slowly approached Jonah. "I concluded they have strategically placed allies in the government to ensure they continue to make billions of dollars off of America's armed conflicts.""You wrote the synopsis for a Tom Clancy novel and the President decided to send you to Iraq?" Jonah wanted Kellan to tell him he was right and it was all fiction.Kellan came to stand directly in front of Jonah. He chuffed a laugh. "The President was dubious too when he read it. Still, he thought my arguments were sound enough to warrant a cursory investigation."Jonah took in Kellan's familiar features: his lashes, the small mole beneath his left eye, and finally his mouth. "Obviously, the investigation turned up something."Kellan wet his bottom lip before he spoke. "The Attorney General has built a fairly strong case for corruption. She just can't go before Congress and the President and say she thinksAmerican weapons and munitions are being provided to the enemy for use against our own military personnel. So, she reached out to the State Department to find evidence of the supply chain here in Iraq.""They sent Grizzly?""Correct. And when they did, I issued another opinion that postulated he would be killed, using American-supplied weapons, in order to halt the investigation.""Hell," Jonah sighed, tilting his head back to look blindly at the sky. He remembered all the friends he'd lost since this conflict had begun. His earlier rage flared again."I intended that first opinion to be a neutral stand for my consulting agency. We've received substantial funding from the Big Three, and I wanted it clear their money couldn't influence us.""And then Grizzly was killed, making the investigation FBI jurisdiction, and since you've accurately predicted how things so far would go down, the President decided you should come provide guidance," Jonah concluded with a harsh laugh."Which I could easily have done from DC, but I thought it would be fun to drop in and say 'hi'.""There are these amazing devices called e-mail and cell phones, you know." Jonah's rage melted farther away as he smiled. "You didn't have to get yourself airlifted to Iraq.""Well, the opportunity just presented itself." Kellan grinned.Jonah was pretty glad he hadn't resorted to e-mail."You know, sir, I read that book of yours about the invasion" Jonah poked Kellan square in the chest with one finger. "When you run for President, I'm not voting for you if you run as a Democrat."Kellan's laugh sent a shockwave rolling through Jonah."I have no intention of running for President," he said."Well, maybe not right away. You'll do some time in Congress or the Senate. Then you'll become the Governor of New York. Maybe Massachusetts. Then you'll make your run at the White House.""Actually, I'm more a 'power behind the throne' kind of guy." Jonah felt a sort of perverse fascination as Kellan reached out and hooked two fingers into the waist of Jonah's trousers."Is that a fact?" Jonah searched Kellan's face."More to the point, some of the most powerful positions in DC are not elected but appointed." Kellan leaned in, voice conspiratorial."You're not an attorney, so you can't be a judge," Jonah mused. Kellan was standing so close; Jonah caught the scent of him and lost his train of thought."No, but there are cabinet positions. Say, Secretary of the Navy. Secretary of Defense." Kellan paused. "Secretary of State.""Well then, Mr Secretary," Jonah said solemnly. He believed Kellan would someday achieve that very thing. He wondered in passing what Kellan would do if Jonah leaned in and kissed him."Stop teasing me," Kellan said, his expression serious.Jonah became acutely aware of Kellan's hand touching him. It was only teasing if Jonah didn't mean it. He wasn't teasing. He didn't think Kellan was, either."When we're both Stateside again, I'll show you I'm not teasing." The words were spoken before Jonah could stop them. He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly tight. This was the part where Kellan would tell him how much he'd enjoy a passing friendship with a former Team Leader; as if he was unaware this was exactly how things had started between them before.Instead, Kellan looked pleased, and Jonah realized, with deep satisfaction, that was the reaction he'd been hoping for."I'm holding you to that.""I'm counting on it. For now, though, why don't you head back inside and I'll be in shortly."One corner of Kellan's mouth lifted in a brief smile. "Good night, Jonah," he said quietly, before he turned and climbed the steps into the firmbase."Good night, Kellan."Jonah took a cleansing breath and released it slowly. He rolled his head, stretching out the once tense muscles that had relaxed sometime during the last few minutes.With a final upward glance, this time seeing the sky, Jonah followed Kellan inside, realizing he would finally be able to sleep.
Brothers In Arms re-releasing with MLR Press on December 14th
http://www.mlrbooks.com/books.phpAuthor Bio:
Kendall McKennais an author of M/M erotic romancenovels. Kendall McKenna’s first work of fiction was written at the worldly age of nine, and was a transformative work that expanded on the story told in a popular song of the time. She tried her hand at vampire and cowboy fiction, winning high school poetry and short story contests along the way. It wasn’t until she discovered the world of m/m erotic fiction and found her stride with cops, Marines and muscle cars, that she felt inspired to share her stories with readers who enjoy the same things. Putting herself through college by working in a newly-created HIV testing clinic in her local Department of Health, introduced Kendall to the gay and lesbian community. Understanding and empathy has made her a lifetime advocate of GLBT issues. A brief bout of unemployment gave Kendall the time and focus she needed to finally produce a novel worth submitting for publication. Her first novel, Brothers In Arms , introduced the world to her authentic military stories and characters. Kendall was born and raised in Southern California, where she still lives and works. A non-conventional relationship has kept her happy for the last decade. Her four dogs enjoy it when she writes, as she sits still long enough for them to curl up around her.

HER LUCKY LOVE: Back Cover Copy Release

With the release of SANTA'S EXECUTIVE next Tuesday, the Holiday, Montana series is going is full force. I finished FINDING ABIGAIL, book 3 in the series on Monday and will be handing it over to my editor this week. I'm also writing HER LUCKY LOVE and have the back cover copy for you. HER LUCKY LOVE is the 4th book in the series and will be out in March. Enjoy!
Brayden Cooper has always been lucky. It's in his blood and in the coin that he has hanging on a leather tie around his neck. He has everything in the world he could ever want: money, a job, brothers he loves, and the luck that comes with his powers. Yet he's empty. Everyone but him knows  he loves Allison, yet it's going to take something stronger than luck to bring them together.
Allison Malone is exhausted. After the death of her abusive husband, her hell of a marriage is finally over and now she's alone with her three children that are the center of her world. Long hours at work, plus mommy duty at home are taking its toll on her and that's not the worst of it. Her late husband's family is in town and they want her children. 
The outsiders have secrets of their own and it's going to take all of the Coopers, especially Brayden's, help to save them. When trouble attacks, Allison will have to remember that she's also a woman who needs love, and Brayden might be the one to give that to her.
Warning: Contains one sexy mechanic with a lucky streak, a waitress who needs to give into her temptations, and a love so fierce it's bound to set the sheets on fire. Again.

Dianne Hartsock's Philip’s Watcher (Guest Post and a Giveaway)

Can Passion Melt a Heart of Stone?
We all love romance, not only for the excitement and pleasure it brings to our daily lives, but also for the zing it adds to the books we read. Sure, our heroes could run around saving the day without it, but it's so much more fun when there's attraction and sexual tension and even heartache thrown in.I write erotic romances, but I'm also a great reader of the genre. Mostly contemporary stories. But a couple of months ago I read a story involving angels and demons. Hello! It's like my eyes were opened for the first time to a whole new world—the paranormal romance. I've been gobbling up books right and left ever since. Not only was I getting the romance I crave, but I get to watch these magnificent, power beings transform into their more vulnerable human form to be with the ones they love. Holy cow! Fantasy and eroticism rolled into one. Who could resist that?Which led me to writing my own paranormal romance. But what creature to use? The selection was endless! That's why I chose a gargoyle as my hero. I've always been fascinated by their role as the hideous, evil looking creatures that are actually the protector of what's good.And since I write m/m romance, of course Adrian would have to fall in love with his ward, the handsome Philip Agenor. But can one Watcher's love for his ward save the world? You'll just have to read the story to find out!
Philip’s Watcherm/m erotic fantasy
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Watcher-ebook/dp/B0096QRWSW/Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/philips-watcher-dianne-hartsock/1112775599ARe Books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-philip039swatcher-937624-142.html
Blurb:Darkness is spreading in the world with only the powerful Agenor family to oppose it. In the guise of a stone gargoyle atop the castle walls, Adrian has protected Philip, the young heir, since birth, watching him grow from childhood into a strong but lonely man without love. When the clan chief, Philip’s father, is murdered by those he trusted, Adrian resumes his human form to better protect his beloved Philip. And finds his love returned. As lovers, their passion is all-consuming, but as they fight against treachery from within, will their love be enough to stem the dark tide sweeping the land? And will it be enough to keep Adrian’s heart alive…      
Excerpt:Philip chewed his lip as he watched the storm clouds gather in the leaden sky. The wind picked up, cold and heavy with rain. It whipped the hair from his face and distracted him from the study of the desolate landscape spread below his feet. How he longed for spring! But winter lingered long past when it should have given way to new growth in the valley. He guessed the reason for it, and a cold finger of dread touched his heart. An icy gust buffeted him on the exposed balcony, and Philip gathered the long strands of his hair and tied them at his neck. He bit hard on his bottom lip to stop its tremble and welcomed the pain against the ache in his heart. “He’s not coming back, is he?” he whispered as the first fat drops of moisture struck his face. He pounded a fist on the stone railing in frustration and impotent fury. “Father should have let them come to us, where we’re prepared.”But their enemy had thrown down the gauntlet, and in his pride, Philip’s father picked it up. Jonathon Agenor had always been that way, as far back as Philip remembered. He supposed the gravity of being the Agenor Chief had made his father distant. The man kept his own council and wouldn’t listen to Philip’s cautions against a trap. The bait had been a threat against Philip’s life, something the proud man couldn’t tolerate. His life had been the forfeit. Philip closed his eyes and let the grief wash over him. The rain swept against the walls of the stronghold, and Philip leaned his head against the stone statue on the railing beside him. “I still have you, and that’s a comfort.” He turned his gaze to the familiar face. There were many gargoyles on the high balconies of the castle, but this was his favorite. The onyx eyes glittered as if in sympathy. Distraught, Philip trailed a finger along the crack in the stonework from the creature’s forehead to its muscular chest. He flattened his hand over the cold heart and willed it to beat as he had hundreds of times before. The stone stayed firm under his palm. “I know one of you is my Watcher,” Philip said, and he searched the stone eyes for any flicker of life. They remained fixed on some distant point, and he sighed. He rested his head on a powerful shoulder, which supported the draping wings and ran his fingers up and down the strong arm nearest him. Philip remembered arms holding him, once upon a time, soft and warm and comforting. He’d felt safe and loved in his mother’s embrace. Philip tilted his head to the creature’s ear. He’d whispered his secrets to this gargoyle all his life and saw no reason to stop now.“I miss her,” he confessed. “Every day. I’ve been…lonely. But more than that, I could use her wisdom, now more than ever. With Father gone, my enemies will come here. What if I’m not strong enough to hold them back? They can’t be allowed to make a stronghold here.” A frown creased his forehead. “Why are we enemies, Gargoyle? Can you tell me that? Mother explained good and evil to me. Good wants to protect and cherish the earth. Evil would seize power and bend nature to its will. But which am I? I don’t know the earth. I’ve lived my life in these protected walls. Perhaps evil lives in me as well.” Philip turned his head, hoping to catch a response to his outrageous statement. The stone remained cold, and a fey mood came over him, desperate. “You remain silent?” His gaze swept the heights of the castle. Dozens of statues stared down at him or looked out over the land his family protected. He laughed, and it sounded bitter to his ears. Rain pelted the castle and struck his face, and Philip railed against a fate he had no control over. Was he a mere puppet in this war for power? He had seen his family killed one by one. Would he be next? In defiance, he climbed up on the balustrade and opened his arms. The storm seemed to increase in fury. Rain pounded against him, the wind seemed bent on pulling him from the wall. He shouted and shook his fist at the sky.“If I fell, Gargoyle, would my Watcher catch me?” Rainwater poured from the spouted demons on the towers down to the valley far below. Mother had said he had a Watcher, a protector given to him at birth, but he’d never seen him. Never felt his presence. Alone, bereft, Philip wondered if he shouldn’t step off the edge…At once a blanket of warmth engulfed him. He was cherished, guarded, needed. And beneath that he sensed love, deep and pure. “Come down.” A voiced thrummed inside him, full of fear. Philip climbed onto the balcony and stood with his back to the storm. He hung his head, ashamed of the childish, dangerous act. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. The knowledge that his protector was near was a balm to his sore heart, and he straightened. He took a steadying breath. “Evil is moving in the world, Gargoyle. Father had gone to see the wise woman in the village to see if she knew who threatened me. Perhaps I should go see her myself, when the storm passes.” He ran a hand over his face, cold and discouraged. He touched the gargoyle’s arm. “I’m young and naive to the ways of the world. I need guidance, and if you are my Watcher, dear friend, then it’s cruel not to tell me.” Philip sighed when he received no answer and retreated to the empty rooms within the thick walls of his home.Dianne HartsockBlog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsockTwitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsockGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock

Dianne is giving away PDF copy of PHILIP'S WATCHER to a lucky commenter! Be sure to leave your email address!

A Sneak Peak into SANTA'S EXECUTIVE

Here's a sneak peak into Santa's Executive, out Dec 4th! Only 1 week to go!

She shuddered and hugged him tighter. “One step at a time?”“One step at a time.”“Then what’s our first step?”He ran his hand down her back and cupped her ass. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught. “I can think of a few things.”She blushed and kissed his jaw. “Oh, yeah, like what?”





Santa’s Executive – Holiday, Montana Book 2 – Coming Dec 4th, 2012Justin Cooper wasn’t always the straight-laced Holiday Elementary School principal. In his youth, he broke all the rules and enjoyed being the bad Cooper brother.  One Christmas Eve night he got a little too rowdy and things changed forever. Now the consequences of that fateful night have come back in full force and the myths of Christmas might be more real than he thought.Rina Brewer is one of Santa’s elves. Not the tiny cute little toy maker, but the sexy, petite, energy filled bombshell kind. She’s come to Holiday to aid Justin in his new role as Santa’s executive, but as soon as she sees the sexy ex-bad boy, she realizes the job may be more than she bargained for.As they work together to make this Christmas one to remember, an old foe has come to town to make sure that his holiday is the coldest yet.Warning: Contains a perky elf who dreams of something more, a Christmas myth who may be a baddie, and a sexy ex-bad boy who craves Christmas cookies…and a certain perky blonde.