Lisa Renee Jones's Blog, page 172

Gorgeous holiday pictures from Donna Grant and a contest!

Note — EVE SILVER and JUDI FENNELL CONTESTS are OPEN UNTIL MONDAY AT MIDNIGHT. Tab down and comment for your chance to win!

Welcome all! First– let me report that DH's Dad had surgery and all is well. Great holiday news! I hope you are all having happy news this holiday season as well. And talk about some holiday pictures to get you into the spirit of things!

Donna is giving away a copy of WICKED HIGHLANDER — I just love that title! Just comment for your chance to win. Contest ends Wednesday at midnight.

Click here for a great excerpt

Gorgeous yes?

And Donna just got a new kitty — so cute– and guess what this kitty is named? ! DIEGO! Many of you know

I have my own Diego at home…. lol…

Seriously. Could this kitty get any cuter?

Now lets go from cute to sexy — why don't we?

This is Donna's April 2011 cover. Yum!

The Dark Sword series reins in the magic, passion, and fury of Scotland's legendary warriors—for whom love is always worth fighting for…

DEVIL IN THE FLESH

Druid-born and magic-blessed, Isla is one of the deadliest she-devils ever to serve the forces of darkness. As an immortal Highland warrior, it's up to Hayden Campbell to destroy her and her kind. But for Hayden, Isla is more than a sworn enemy. She is temptation…

ANGEL IN HIS ARMS

Taking Isla captive, Hayden hopes to avenge his kinsmen who died by Druid magic. But when he looks into Isla's eyes, he sees the secrets of her past. When he touches her skin, he feels the passion in her soul. And soon Hayden comes to realize that this beautiful, beguiling woman is not his enemy at all—she is his destiny. And, even as the forces of darkness conspire against them, their love will conquer all…



And how about a glimpse at WICKED HIGHLANDER — today's prize book Enjoy and let the comments begin!

Judi Fennell says THE GENIES ARE COMING!

I'm blogging here – come say hi!

Contest winners for Caridad Pineiro will be posted tomorrow. Today's contest is for your choice of any of my backlist. Just post anything! Just say Happy Holidays to Judi to enter!

Welcome to Judi Fenell!

My favorite Thanksgiving recipe started out as an Easter tradition in our family, but because it's so good, it's segued to Thanksgiving as well. Hey, where does it say you can't have it twice in a year? (And seriously? It's so good I'm probably making it for Christmas, too.)

To make this desert even more wonderful for me, I got the recipe from my grandmother who's birthday is near Thanksgiving, so of course we have to have it, right? Then, there's the fact that the book I dedicated to my grandmother came out last November right around her birthday, and Wild Blue Under is about a merman who lives in Atlantis. In my world, Atlantis is beneath the island of Bermuda which, as you know, is nice and tropical. Just like pineapple that's at the heart of this recipe. (It's this stream of consciousness that makes writers what they are… and no "crazy" from the peanut galley, please.)

This can be served warm with ice cream, or chilled with whipped cream. Or I guess you could serve whipped cream with it when it's warm, and ice cream when it's chilled. Or, why not toss ice cream AND whipped cream on it and enjoy the heck out of it!

Bon appétit!

PINEAPPLE SOUFFLE

Cream together a quarter lb..of butter and 1 cup sugar.

Add 4 eggs, one at a time and beat till light in color.

Add one 20 oz. can crushed pineapple drained. and 5 slices of white bread cubed. (Leave crust on.)

Pour into greased casserole dish uncovered, for about 45minutes @350 degrees.

A butter knife in the center should come out clean/dry when it's done.

Judi Fennell

www.JudiFennell.com

"A new romance star is born….and her name is Judi Fennell." – Jill Barnett, New York Times best-selling author

Judi's January release!



Sourcebooks, Inc.

January, 2011

ISBN#: 9781402241895

He needs to change his luck, and fast!

Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business.

But for all his hoping, Matt's clueless when his long awaited lucky charm falls in his lap in the form of a beguiling genie. He just can't believe that this beautiful woman could be the answer to his prayers…

She's been bottled up for far too long!

Spending 2,000 years in a bottle would make any woman go a little stir crazy. So when Matt releases Eden from her luxurious captivity, she's thrilled to repay him by giving him the magical boost he needs…

But for all her good intentions, Eden's magical prowess is a little rusty and her magical mistakes become more than embarrassing. And though Eden knows falling in love will end her magic and immortality, she can't help but be drawn to the one man who wants her just for herself…



"Cute as a pink Persian kitten, this scamper of a romance is populated by a whimsical cast of characters: Humphrey the baby dragon, Obo the talking cat, a villainous vizier, a cross-dressing High Master genie, the Egyptian goddess Bastet, and a hunky carpenter. Centuries-old genie Eden (her name one of several nods to the book's namesake TV show) escapes her bottle only to fall for Matt Ewing, the handsome jogger she's been watching from her glass prison's position in the window of Murphy's Antiques. When Eden's magic malfunctions, the nonstop cinematic gee-whiz results will keep the reader enraptured. Fennell (Catch of a Lifetime) also tosses in sultry sex scenes, a bubble-gum–sweet but passionate romance, quick-moving action, and a variety of puns and riddle-making beasts, many of which are sure to reappear in the two planned sequels."

Publishers' Weekly

A yummy holiday recipe and contest from Eve Silver

Welcome Eve and everyone. Sorry to be late with the post today. I took DH to the airport at the crack of dawn and slept 2 hours. (DH's dad is having surgery tomorrow) Anyway, I swore I would only take a half hour nap and fell asleep — as in fell into a coma. So mad at myself. I have a synopsis, page proofs, and 30k to write before Christmas. But Eve's recipe is certainly an inspiration to get the work done. I am ready for Christmas fun and lots of good eating! She had me at the beginning of this recipe but ending with Dark Chocolate just sealed the deal.

To enter to win one of Eve's first three books in her Otherkin series– your choice as winner– simply share a holiday recipe or tradition. And let me tell you I am LOVING the song suggestions on Caridad's post. So much fun. Diego is so excited to get started on the CD when he gets home and has been looking through them.

So onward to Eve's yummy recipe!

Mandarin Orange Trifle:

1 can Eagle Brand Condensed milk

1-1/2 cups cold water

1 pckg vanilla pudding mix (serves 4)

2 cups whipping cream, whipped

2 pckgs raspberry sponge rolls (cut into 1/2″ slices)

3 cans mandarin orange segments

1/2 cup liquid reserved

24 orange segments reserved

Combine condensed milk and water. Add pudding mix and beat well. Chill until thick (20 minutes). Fold in whipped cream. Line bottom and sides of glass bowl with sliced sponge roll. Spoon 1/3 of reserved juice over sponge rolls. Cover with 1/3 of pudding mixture. Top with 1/2 of orange segments. Cover with layer of sliced sponge roll. Repeat previous steps. Before final layer of pudding mixture, arrange reserved 24 segments around top edge of glass bowl. Pile remaining pudding mixture in center. Chill 3-4 hours minimum. Grate dark chocolate shavings over top. Serve.



Let me leave you with the teaser video and the buzz on the OTHERKIN series:

The Buzz

"I love this book. It is wicked and wild, with a romance so hot you'll feel it in your bones. Read it, love it, and get swept away." —Marjorie M. Liu, New York Times bestselling author of the Dirk & Steele and Hunter Kiss series

"Sleek, dark and utterly seductive! Eve Silver's talent always shines."—New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian



"Darkly delicious, savagely beautiful, fiercely seductive—SINS OF THE HEART sets the new gold standard in paranormal romance. This story will ravish you. Simply put, Eve Silver owns me." —Ann Aguirre, national bestselling author of Doubleblind

"Silver has dipped her magical pen into a wealth of Egyptian mythological ink and with a few brilliant strokes has created a pair of fearless characters and a richly unusual supporting cast and dropped them into an unforgettable world that is dark, seductive, and sexy as sin. Essential for urban fantasy romance collections."—Library Journal



"Make sure you set aside plenty of reading time, as the hugely talented Silver is launching a dark and delicious supernatural trilogy. Set to be released over three consecutive months, the hot new saga will explore the lives of the soul reaper sons of the god Sutekh. This tantalizing paranormal thriller is infused with edgy suspense and dark passion. Roxy Tam is one hell of a heroine!"—Jill M. Smith, RT Book Reviews, 4-1/2 star Top Pick!



"Once again Eve Silver has blown me away with a perfect mix of romance and action with Sins of the Flesh, her third installment of the Otherkin Trilogy … I literally had to force myself to put this book down so I could go to bed every night…"—Tricia Stevens, LiteraryEscapism.com

Let the holiday cheer being! Give us some holiday joy for a chance to win an Eve Silver book — winners choice of book 1 2 or 3 in the OTHERKIN series.



Contest closes Monday at Midnight.

The Cardidad Pineiro contest is open until Friday at Midnight.

I will have another CD giveaway Monday.

Caridad Pineiro's workspace and its holiday CD giveaway time!

Welcome everyone! Welcome Caridad who is giving us a fun look into her writing spaces. And its holiday CD time! Each year DH and I make a holiday CD and we send it out to the pretty large group of people ready to enjoy. It's so fun to put it together. SO….here is your chance to get a CD. Simply post here today and tell us your favorite holiday song or even movie scene that you think is priceless and perfect– yes we include a few fun holiday movie clips on the CD — like that meltdown Chevy Chase has in XMAS Vacation. LOVE that scene and we consider it a must on every years CD:)

I'll draw 5 names from today's drawing to not only get a CD but also a copy of HOT TARGET or SANTA BABY.



And note that the pictures are different sizes. I just couldn't make them cooperate:(

So onward to Caridad's fun post and Happy holidays everyone!



I have a confession to make. I hate sitting at a desk to write, maybe because I sit at a desk all day at work. So most of my writing is done on the train tide to and from work, my first "office" and then I the rest of my writing while laying on my couch or sitting out on the balcony during warm summer months. I especially love being on the balcony. There is just something about the fresh air and being able to crane my neck to see the ocean that motivates the Piscean in me. After a few hours of writing, I get up and go for a long stroll along the boardwalk to recharge my batteries. I hope you enjoy these photos of my writing spaces!

Caridad has a wonderful new release!

STRONGER THAN SIN

TEASER

Dr. Liliana Carrera has had a few rough months. First her fiancé's depression turns her into his punching bag. Then her brother – a gun for hire – involves her in a dangerous assignment to save world famous cellist Caterina Shaw. Now Liliana has even made a new life for herself and has found a new friend in her brother Mick's newlywed wife. With stability returning to her life, Liliana turns her attention to keeping Caterina healthy and overcoming the trauma of the violent incidents which have colored her life in recent months.

Jesse Bradford had wanted only one thing when he approached Wardwell Laboratories in order to participate in their gene therapy trials – to stop the deterioration of his bones brought so he could return to his career as a football player. Jesse had never imagined that the cure would be worse than the disease.

Liliana knows of Jesse's checkered past as a high profile celebrity and sees the rage in Jesse. Both bring back painful memories and awaken fear in Liliana. But she cannot be blind to Jesse's suffering and just walk away. Especially when Liliana begins to see the honorable and caring man struggling to emerge. Together, Liliana and Jesse will battle to recover Jesse's humanity and explore the dangerous love taking hold in their hearts.

READ THE EXCERPT HERE

Now…let the songs and holiday fun begin! Post away! DH and I won't make the CD's until next week and they will be mailed out next weekend. I want to include as many of your requests as possible. There will be more CD's given away this week and next too.



We will leave this contest open until Friday!

NOTE- Because of holiday travelers I left the Pamela Palmer contest open until Wednesday at midnight. I'll post the winner by Thursday morning on her actual post. So if you haven't entered you still can.

Welcome to Pamela Palmer–What does it take to be an overnight success? Call story and contest!

***Note– this contest will be open through December 1. I will also leave Nancy Gideon and Rhyannon Byrd's contest open through Monday at midnight since a lot of people were traveling and away from their computers this weekend. I'll post winners for all open contests on Tuesday morning.



Welcome Pamela Palmer!

Today Pamela is sharing her call story. I love her success story so much because it shows how important it is to reach for a dream and never give up. I was really excited to have her share her story because I feel we often we hear about the overnight success stories, when often THE CALL doesn't come overnight at all. In fact, the overnight success stories tend to be years in the making.We just tend to think things were overnight for someone because suddenly the success of a certain writer, or movie star, or whoever it might be, seems to be evident. When in truth, there were many 'almost but not quite' experiences to their success (raising my hand on that one!). Even after THE CALL there is a career to build that often takes years more. Many writers write 20 plus category novels before they breakout in single title. Or write like crazy for e-pubs and then finally make it in single title. I've often used the analogy of — I'm invited to the house across the street. Then to the curb. Then to sidewalk. Then to the front door. When do I get to go inside? Is it time yet? Do I get to come to the real party? It's baby steps. So again, I think it's so important for aspiring authors to hear, and try to remember through the bumps in their path, that they just need to keep believing in themselves, and keep working hard. So, all this said, read onward and enjoy Pamela's story. I hope it inspires you as it does me!

And Pamela is giving away a copy of her most recent book Rapture Untamed and if you haven't tried this series you want to, I promise you. So how do you get a chance to win a signed copy of Rapture untamed? Simply comment on Pamela's post or like THE CALL which is something every writer is thankful for — share something you're thankful for this holiday season.

So onward to Pamela's great story and bit more about her most recent release and her early 2011 release.

The Call – Pamela Palmer

Unlike a lot of authors I know, I didn't grow up wanting to be a writer. I grew up wanting to be an astronaut until I realized that being an astronaut in the late twentieth century didn't mean seeking out new worlds and new civilizations. I wanted starships not space shuttles. But by that time, I was well on my way to an engineering degree. I met my husband in college, got married, and went to work as an engineer for IBM. Not until after my kids were born did I decide I wanted to write. I'd always been a reader, mostly of romance, and a daydreamer. I had the storyteller gene that is at the heart of all fiction writers. What I had to learn was how to craft the stories already crowding my head.

It took me two years to write my first book, then nine more to sell. Finally, May 31, 2006 I got The Call as a direct result of Romance Writers of America's (RWA's) Golden Heart contest.

The Golden Heart is the most prestigious of the contests for unpublished romance manuscripts. I'd finaled before, a total of five times. But in the spring of 2006, Lady Luck finally found me. One of the final round judges of the paranormal category that year happened to be an editor at Harlequin-Silhouette, an editor actively buying for the brand new Nocturne line. And my story, ultimately released under the title The Dark Gate, was just the kind of dark paranormal romance she'd been looking for.

I submitted the manuscript in the Golden Heart back in the fall of 2005 under the title Midnight Fire, then almost immediately changed the title when I thought of another I liked better. Under the new title, See No Evil, I entered a number of other contests and began querying editors and agents. The end of March 2006, I learned the manuscript had finaled in the Golden Heart.

Early afternoon on May 31st, my phone rang. It was Ann Leslie Tuttle from Harlequin-Silhouette wanting to make me an offer on my book. It took a moment for it all to click since I'd never submitted to Ann Leslie, I'd never even submitted to Silhouette. But the moment she called the manuscript Midnight Fire, I knew she must have been one of my Golden Heart judges. (GH judges are kept secret.) From there, the call got even more confusing since she wanted to buy it for their Nocturne line, which I'd never heard of. I'd envisioned this manuscript as single title, not category, and was a little concerned about what changes she might want me to make. But she quickly allayed my fears and I realized I was in the middle of The Call.

As I'd been taught to do, I didn't agree to anything, but thanked her profusely for the offer and promised to get back with her in a couple of days, as soon as I secured an agent. Then I called my husband whose exact words were, "Great! Did the plumber come?" (We'd had a leak beneath the fridge that morning.) I made more calls to my parents and my best friends, then I called the three agents I'd recently queried and told them I had an offer. The next day, two of the three offered to represent me, I chose one, and my career was off and running.

Four and a half years later, I've published nine books with three different publishers (Avon, Berkley, and Harlequin-Silhouette) and have four more under contract. And in July of this year, with the fourth book in my Feral Warriors series for Avon, Rapture Untamed, I hit the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Everyone's path to publication is different. Mine was tougher than some and easier than others. Ultimately, it's about patience, perseverance, hard work, and the elusive Lady Luck.

***

Rapture Untamed, today's prize book, hit the New York Times extended list and the USA Today bestseller list!

Congrats Pamela!



About the book:

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

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

Rapture Untamed is Book 4 in the Feral Warriors series

Read an excerpt here

Coming February 22, 2011

Book 5 in the Feral Warriors Series

Hunger Untamed

from Avon Books

For a thousand years she has haunted him—Ariana, queen of the Ilinas, a beauty of mist and light. His love, his life mate… Kougar believed her lost to him forever until the truth of her stunning betrayal left him bitter and hungry for revenge. Now she alone holds the power to save two trapped and desperate Feral Warriors.

Ariana, caught in a deadly battle of her own, is neither the soulless creature Kougar believes her to be, nor the savior he seeks. And when darkness threatens to annihilate both races, the greatest danger of all becomes the glorious love Kougar and Ariana once shared. A love that must never rise again. A love that has never died.

Read an excerpt here

***

Let the comments begin!

ASHLEY IS OUR WINNER! Ashley email me your address at lis...

ASHLEY IS OUR WINNER! Ashley email me your address at lisarenjones@aol.com



Today we have an AWESOME contest from Rhyannon Byrd. I'll leave this one up through Monday so everyone has time to enter. The PRIZE a signed set of the BLOODRUNNERS series. That is a rocking awesome prize! Such good books and the set is hard to find!

Read about the Bloodrunners here

To enter the contest simply comment or ask Rhy a question!

Also open through the holiday are the Nancy Gideon and Jennifer Haymore contests and we will have a Sylvia Day and Pamela Palmer feature over the holiday with awesome prizes! Thanksgiving is fun:) So tab down to enter Nancy and Jennifer's contests too!

Rhy's writing corner…

Since we moved to our new house in England, I no longer have my own office…but I do have my own corner. And, as you can see, I cram as much into my corner as I can. LOL. Sometimes I'll move around the house with my laptop, but most of the time I work here at my desk. I love to collect postcards from different museums, so there are a few of those on the wall. And yes, I have a deep and abiding love for the Colts and their quarterback. The signed pic of Peyton Manning on my desk was a birthday gift from my hubby, and I always keep it by my computer. It's, um, great inspiration. There's also my Spiderman, because let's face it, Spidey is just cool. I also have a few of my gargoyles, which I love. And then there are lots of family photos and only a fraction of the books that are normally piled up around me. (I had to move some of the books so that you could actually see the desk, LOL!)

I wish I had more office pics to show you, but sadly that's it. However, I thought I'd show you guys some of the photos I've taken of my favorite places in England. Since I wrote on my laptop while we were driving to them, they should count, right?

Avebury, Wiltshire

This is the village of Avebury, which is built within a circle of stones that dates back over 5,000 years. You can walk around and explore, then visit the shops in the village and have a tasty cup of tea. It's a beautiful, mystical place that is definitely worth a visit. And very inspiring when you're writing paranormals!

Tintagel, Cornwall

I took this photo last April at Tintagel, which is the legendary birthplace of King Arthur. I loved the views and thought it was gorgeous, but I was scared out of my mind as we climbed to the top. I hate heights, so I spent a lot of the time telling my kids to stay back from the edge. Heck, I even wanted to tell other parents' kids to stay back. They should hire me to stand at the top and warn people about the dangers of falling! LOL. But it really is a spectacular place and another great source of inspiration.

Merlin's Cave at Tintagel

The cave you can see in this photo is called Merlin's Cave, which is where they say the wizard lived. Cool, eh? If you ever get the chance, I strongly suggest visiting. It's a spectacular place to go exploring.

Many thanks to Lisa for inviting me to stop by, and I hope guys have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Hugs!

Rhy

Today we have an AWESOME contest from Rhyannon Byrd. I'll...

Today we have an AWESOME contest from Rhyannon Byrd. I'll leave this one up through Monday so everyone has time to enter. The PRIZE a signed set of the BLOODRUNNERS series. That is a rocking awesome prize! Such good books and the set is hard to find!

Read about the Bloodrunners here

To enter the contest simply comment or ask Rhy a question!

Also open through the holiday are the Nancy Gideon and Jennifer Haymore contests and we will have a Sylvia Day and Pamela Palmer feature over the holiday with awesome prizes! Thanksgiving is fun:) So tab down to enter Nancy and Jennifer's contests too!

Rhy's writing corner…

Since we moved to our new house in England, I no longer have my own office…but I do have my own corner. And, as you can see, I cram as much into my corner as I can. LOL. Sometimes I'll move around the house with my laptop, but most of the time I work here at my desk. I love to collect postcards from different museums, so there are a few of those on the wall. And yes, I have a deep and abiding love for the Colts and their quarterback. The signed pic of Peyton Manning on my desk was a birthday gift from my hubby, and I always keep it by my computer. It's, um, great inspiration. There's also my Spiderman, because let's face it, Spidey is just cool. I also have a few of my gargoyles, which I love. And then there are lots of family photos and only a fraction of the books that are normally piled up around me. (I had to move some of the books so that you could actually see the desk, LOL!)

I wish I had more office pics to show you, but sadly that's it. However, I thought I'd show you guys some of the photos I've taken of my favorite places in England. Since I wrote on my laptop while we were driving to them, they should count, right?

Avebury, Wiltshire

This is the village of Avebury, which is built within a circle of stones that dates back over 5,000 years. You can walk around and explore, then visit the shops in the village and have a tasty cup of tea. It's a beautiful, mystical place that is definitely worth a visit. And very inspiring when you're writing paranormals!

Tintagel, Cornwall

I took this photo last April at Tintagel, which is the legendary birthplace of King Arthur. I loved the views and thought it was gorgeous, but I was scared out of my mind as we climbed to the top. I hate heights, so I spent a lot of the time telling my kids to stay back from the edge. Heck, I even wanted to tell other parents' kids to stay back. They should hire me to stand at the top and warn people about the dangers of falling! LOL. But it really is a spectacular place and another great source of inspiration.

Merlin's Cave at Tintagel

The cave you can see in this photo is called Merlin's Cave, which is where they say the wizard lived. Cool, eh? If you ever get the chance, I strongly suggest visiting. It's a spectacular place to go exploring.

Many thanks to Lisa for inviting me to stop by, and I hope guys have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Hugs!

Rhy

Welcome Nancy Gideon– showing off where she works, a new cover and a contest!

***Note Jennifer Haymore Breast Cancer ornament contest is going to stay live through the holiday since it seems a good time to be thinking of giving thanks! Note Nancy's contest will run until Monday as well and we will have some really awesome contests running between now and Monday so be sure and come by!

Welcome the talented Nancy Gideon! And what a hot new cover she has! The cover GODS have been so good to Nancy with her new Pocket Urban Fantasy series. I am loving every single one. How about you guys?!

You can see all three of the first books in the series here and believe me you want to! There are covers, blurbs, and some awesome excerpts for each book.

Today's contest is your choice as a winner– if you are the lucky winner– of MASKED BY MOONLIGHT, CHASED BY MOONLIGHT or CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT. How to win? Just comment on this post or tell us what you are doing for Black Friday — Staying in or daring the shopping to get your copies of Nancy's books?:)

Now onward to read about Nancy's writing space! Enjoy!

Creativity is directly related to surroundings. I'd like to think this first picture represents my office but it's actually the balcony on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. (Yikes! Sorry about the hair!) On deadline, I spent six days watching sunrises with Chapters 5-7 and a cup of strong coffee. It was a dirty job but…

For the past five years, my office has been the loft in my 3/4 floor apartment. My creativity struggles for survival amid the clutter, the dust-gathering elliptical, the cat happily snoozing and shedding on my chair-and-a-half, sounds of mayhem and dismemberment rising up from my son's 360 game system on the big screen below and my neighbor's fondness for '80s rock pounding through the wall. I get up at five when the Keurig and my muse are only things stirring to whip up pages before heading out to my nine-to-five.

At present, I'm caught in the middle of three books—numbers 4-6 in my dark paranormal BY MOONLIGHT series for Pocket. I've got revisions for Book 4 on the floor behind my chair, rewrites for Book 5 out with my sister for a beta read, and the outline for Book 6 percolation on my screen. And I couldn't be happier. Here's a sneak peek at the cover of Book 4, BOUND BY MOONLIGHT coming out in August, 2011!

Jennifer Haymore workspace and a special Thanksgiving giveaway

This post will be open for comment/contest through Wednesday morning since its a special prize.

Today's Guest is Jennifer Haymore!

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Welcome everyone and Happy Thanksgiving a little early. Just a short note in the spirit of the holiday. Yesterday I found out that my father-in-law went to the doctor to talk about his ears and ended up having a heart condition that showed up in examination. He is having surgery the 3rd. This is a blessing, something to be thankful for. What if his ears hadn't been bothering him when they were? Would we have found out too late about his condition? Two years ago, in October, my youngest son found out that he had a heart condition at 19. Something he was born with but shows up at a later age. His diagnosis also came about in a weird way that really felt like higher power intervention. I felt so blessed that we found out and it was completely curable with surgery. Had he not found out though, he might well have had his heart stop. He'd been having chest pains he didn't tell me about because he was smoking. He knew I wouldn't approve of the smoking and he was SURE that was what was causing the pain. So he had symptoms he was ignoring. The way he ended up finding out– like I said–just a freak series of events that had to go JUST right for him to end up finding out. I often think in his case, and now my father-in-laws, that had the cards not fallen JUST right, things might not have ended up so well. Blessing come in the form of heath, family, love. The rest –the stress, the bills, the mishaps–they don't matter. Not in the big picture. So I hope you will all hug someone you love and revel in their special place in your life this Thanksgiving.

Now– how appropriate is it that thinking about such things, and about the blessings of life at thanksgiving, that Jennifer Haymore is our guest today? Why you ask? Because Jennifer is a recent Breast Cancer Survivor. She is an inspiration to many, to me for sure. She found out about her cancer with a series of events that became blessings. So I hope you will take a few minutes to read her story here.

In honor of Jennifer our prize is a gorgeous Breast Cancer Ornament and Jennifer will be giving away a book to one lucky commenter. So simply comment for your chance to win.

Now onward to Jennifer's workspace!

We moved into this house last January–almost a year ago, now. My office was a playroom for the previous owners' kids, with a play table in the middle of the room and window seats below all the windows. We tore those out and had a custom, wraparound cherry desk built. I had plans to paint the walls, put a carpet down and do other things to make the place my own cozy space, but then I got sick. When I was in chemo, I could hardly stand to be in my office at all—I just found it to be cold and uncomfortable, and all I wanted was to be cozy. The place was pretty neglected for about six months straight!

Now I'm on deadline once again, so I'm back to working in my office. I still have plans to paint and carpet, and put inspiring pictures up on the walls, but that's going to have to happen after I turn in my book! My husband was kind enough to drag in the comfy chair that I got addicted to during my treatments (I can't tell you how many times I fell asleep in this chair over the summer!). I find myself doing about 90% of my writing in this chair nowadays–in fact, I'm writing about the chair while sitting in it!

****

So let the comments begin!:)

Elisabeth Naughton shares her workspace–Welcome Elisabeth

Welcome the talented Elisabeth Naughton today! Just a few notes really quick though. JC! The winner of the Kate Douglas contest. Email me lisarenjones@aol.com. The winner for the Meagan Hatfield contest and Laurie London will post Saturday.

Today's prize is a copy of Beast of Desire, Awakening the Beast, and Captive of the Beast — find out about these books here

To enter today's contest simply ask Elisabeth a question, comment about one of her books, or about today's post.

SO onward to Elisabeth Naughton!

And don't forget to visit Elisabeth HERE

Before I get started I have to say…Donna Grant stole my desk! Several years ago, when we remodeled our house, I had my eye on that gorgeous kidney shaped desk you can see below in her post. Seriously, I think I looked at that thing at least twelve times in the store. I measured it, took photos of it, came home and laid out papers in the shape of the desk in the area I wanted to put it…and finally decided it didn't fit.

**Sob!!!**

I still think it's a gorgeous desk. And I'm glad SOME writer gets to use it, even if it isn't me. (Grumble, grumble. Donna…I'm totally jealous!)

So where do I write? Well, I started out writing on the laptop on my couch. Like Cynthia, give me a laptop, a comfy chair and good lighting and I'm a happy camper. But I hate clutter so I have to have a place away from the common areas in my house to put all that junk that goes with writing.

This is my "technical" office. And this photo is a real lie because usually there are piles sky high and sticky notes strewn every direction. What I love most about this area is that it's all mine and it's away from the kid zones. (I also love that no one else can touch my stuff!) What I DISLIKE most about it is this…

At a right angle to my desk is the hubby's desk. When we remodeled, I didn't think I'd really need my own "office". That was before I was published and before I realized just how much busy work goes in to being an author. When it became clear I needed my own space, I tried converting the dining room into my office but it was just too messy and way too loud. So we put my desk in the hubby's office. So far this arrangement is working well, but because my man works out of the house and comes and goes, I find it very hard to sit and actually write at my desk even when he's not there. I keep anticipating he's going to breeze in and mess with my mojo! So, usually, I end up writing right back here, where I started…

***

Hopefully Elizabeth won't mind…I read an excerpt on her blog and I wanted to post it. I was afraid if I linked to it and Elisabeth entered another post on her blog I might have the link going someplace wrong.

And now…just for fun…an excerpt from ACAPULCO HEAT (the first published excerpt!) which, by the way, is now available for preorder from Amazon! Link at the end of the excerpt!

***

"Open up," Tierney called in that sexy Irish voice that did insane things to Lauren's libido.

Seductive, she reminded herself as she took one more deep breath. Keep it smooth. Make it hot.

She barely had the door open before he pushed his way inside. "Where the hell is Hedley? He's supposed to be outside your door."

Lauren stepped back as he turned and cast her a withering glare. He was still wearing the same clothes he'd had on down at the beach—black tee stretched across an impressive set of pecs, faded Levi's white at the stress points, and Doc Marten boots he had to be sweating in. And he didn't look the least bit happy with her summons.

His masculine eyebrows were pulled tight across his forehead, his mouth set in a grim line, his eyes as dark as she'd ever seen them. Finn Tierney would never be considered classically handsome, she realized as she studied him. Not with that angled scar near his left eyebrow and another across his chin. His features were too chiseled, his mood too intense. But he was definitely striking. And he commandeered all attention when he walked into a room. Especially hers.

"I sent him with Moira to check out the location for tomorrow," she said, closing the door.

"You did what?"

That Irish accent was really gonna do her in. And when he was pissed—like now—it came out even thicker. A tingle ran down her spine, her stomach tightened. Shards of heat ricocheted through her body. "Clarisse might think the waterfall location is hunky-dory, but I want my camp to give it the thumbs up before I head all the way out there. I'm not breaking my neck for a stupid magazine. And I wasn't about to send Moira out there alone."

He eyed her like he didn't like her calling the shots, but on this she wouldn't budge. Wicked attraction aside, this was her domain, and he didn't tell her how to run the show.

His jaw muscles clenched and unclenched. "Fine. I'll wait outside until they get back." He glanced at his watch. "How long have they been gone?"

Her heart skipped a beat knowing she had him all to herself. It was now or never. She took a step toward him, tried to calm her racing pulse. "Actually, I was thinking about dinner. Room service here is pretty good."

His eyes slowly lifted from his wrist and a skeptical look passed over his hard features. "Who's joining you?"

"No one. I mean, well, no one but you."

His eyebrows drew together, deepening the scar on the left side of his forehead. "Did the sun bake yer brain or something?"

One corner of Lauren's mouth curled up, but the lack of humor in his expression sent perspiration dotting her spine. Those nerves came back full force. What would he say if she confessed this was the first time she'd had to make the first move in, well, years? She hated the fact men fell all over her, and the ones who finally got up the nerve to ask her out in the end only wanted a piece of her fame or celebrity or bragging rights. Finn hadn't once fawned over her, hadn't flirted or cajoled or made even one suggestive comment. And her sixth sense told her he gave a rip about celebrity status. But that only made him more appealing. That and the fact he was the hottest thing she'd seen in months made him irresistible.

"I just thought maybe we could have dinner together."

When he didn't answer, just looked at her with that skeptical expression and those impossible-to-read eyes, she took a deep breath.

Now or never.

She eased forward, closing the gap between them to a mere six inches. Warmth radiated from his skin, infused her body and gave her the courage she needed. "I've seen how you watch me."

"It's my job to watch you."

He didn't step back, and she took that as a sign to keep going. "There's watching and then there's watching. I've seen you do the first at my brother's gallery." She glanced at his bicep, as thick as her thigh, was reminded how strong he was and just what his job entailed. "Nothing gets by you, I'll give you that. But that's not the kind of watching you do when I'm around. The watching you do with me, the second kind, it's different. There's heat there. Smoldering heat."

She looked up into his eyes, into black pools of obsidian as dark as night and felt her blood warm like it did every time they were close. "Erotic heat I can feel all the way across a room. The kind that needs just the slightest spark to turn into a full-blown blaze."

He didn't answer, but he didn't look away, and the pulse in his neck picked up, beating like wildfire beneath his skin, matching her own. No, he wouldn't make the first move because she was his job and he was a man who followed duty and service to the letter. If she wanted this, she had to be the one to take the lead.

"I'd like you to stay and have dinner with me tonight, Finn." She reached out, pressed her hand against his rock hard chest. Warmth gathered beneath her fingers. He tensed, but she didn't let that deter her. Easing up on her toes, she brought her mouth close to his, loving the way he felt against her hand, her body, anywhere she touched him. "And after—or before—perhaps a little more."

The tips of her breasts brushed his chest, sending tingling sensations straight to her center. As far as seductions went, she knew she wasn't a pro. Sure, she looked good on film, but this was real life and she was way out of practice. But she didn't let that dissuade her. Slowly, carefully, she brushed her lips against his, once, twice, as light as a feather.

He sucked in a breath, but didn't move. Didn't kiss her back. He just stood there, frozen.

A thread of anxiety pressed in. "Kiss me, Finn."

Her lips brushed his again. He continued to stand still as stone, still didn't push away, but didn't join in. Feeling like an idiot, Lauren eased down to her feet, tried to read the reaction in his eyes but couldn't. He stared at her like she had three heads.

Her confidence wavered. She sensed the conflict in him. He wanted her, dammit. He just wasn't sure what to do about it. It was time to pull out the big guns.

Now or never.

Her hand dropped to the sash on her robe. She tugged until the knot came free and the edges fell open, exposing a long naked line down the center of her chest to her abdomen and lower. "Maybe we should move right to dessert first."

The book is up for pre-order here