I meant to post this sooner–sorry!

And a quick note–this is NOT the excerpt you need to read in order to answer the question from the SIN A LITTLE contest; that excerpt can be found here.  Instead, this is just an extra glimpse into the book.  So, here’s excerpt #2 from MIDNIGHT SINS. Hope you like it!

* * *

“Let me take you home.”

Her glare would probably have frozen a lesser man.  “I think I’d rather walk.”

Todd doubted that.  “It’s at least twenty miles, Cara, and it’s not like you’d be going through the safest neighborhoods.”

She huffed out a breath. “Don’t expect me to believe you’re worried about me.  I’m a killer, remember?  I seduce men, then murder them.  A walk on a seedy street should be nothing for me.”

Clamping down on his rising anger, Todd tightened his grip on her.  “I was following the evidence,” he said, “and if I hadn’t brought you in for questioning, I wouldn’t be a good cop, now would I?”

Her jaw remained stubbornly set.

“Look, I understand that you’re angry—”

One golden brow lifted.  “I don’t think ‘angry’ really covers my feelings here, detective.”

“Fine.  Furious.  Pissed.  Whatever.  But the fact remains that you need a ride home,” he dug into his pocket with his left hand, pulled out his keys, “and I’ve got a car ready.”

Her gaze dropped to his keys.  Her lips thinned. “Fine, but you’d better not ask me another damn question about the case during the ride, got it?”

Oh, yeah, he “got it.”  Todd smiled.  “Come on, my car’s around back.”

She stepped closer to him

He released his hold on her arm, and his hand rose, then brushed lightly across her cheek.  Damn but the woman’s skin was soft.

Cara stilled.

“And my name’s Todd,” he said quietly because she hadn’t said his first name yet, and he wanted her to say it.

Wanted to hear the name fall from those kiss-me lips.

Her lips firmed.  “Good for you, Todd.”  Then she stepped around him and marched toward the parking lot, giving him one stellar view of her firm ass.

Todd swallowed, then sent up a fast and furious prayer that he wasn’t about to fall for a killer.

Because he had very definite plans to get close to Cara.  He wanted her in his bed.  Had from the beginning. But he wasn’t going to be stupid enough to let down his guard with her.

He’d get her to trust him, to reveal all her secrets. And if he had to do so, he’d use those secrets.

He just hoped he wouldn’t have to hurt her.

Or that he wouldn’t find out that her perfect bedroom eyes belonged to a soulless killer.

Voting has kicked off in the RT American Title V competition.  I first learned about this competition a few years ago.  I really like the idea behind it. The finalists begin by showing the first lines from their books. Folks vote for the line they like the best, and writers then advance to the next round.  Since I’m a first line fanatic, this contest is so perfect for me.  🙂

And I’m really happy to say that my friend Edie Ramer (go, Edie!) made the finals this year with her story, DEAD PEOPLE.  You can read Edie’s first line–and all of the first lines from the contestants–here.  So go read some good lines, and vote!

There are less than two weeks until MIDNIGHT SINS hits the shelves.  Less than two weeks!  I can’t believe how quickly time has passed. It seems like I just turned this book in to the Magnificent M, and now–it’ll be on store shelves soon.

The fact that the book releases (IN TWO WEEKS!!!) means I’ll be doing more promo. I’ll be guest posting at other blogs and, of course, giving away books.  🙂  So stay tuned for that info!  I’ll also be posting a special excerpt from MIDNIGHT SINS…so if you want to know more about Todd, you won’t have long to wait!  Hmmm…I might just post that later today–or early tomorrow.

And, speaking of posting…I’m blogging over at The Bradford Bunch today.  Talking about finishing up my current WIP (woo-hoo!). If you get a chance, drop by.

Today is the first day of the latest 70 Days of Sweat writing challenge.  I’m so glad the sweating is starting now–this is just what I need for the holidays. This week, my goal is to write a minimum of 15 pages a day (yep, up from my normal 10/day) because I’m pounding out the last pages on my manuscript and, at the end, I always like to write fast.  Yesterday, I wrote 15. Today, maybe I’ll aim for 20.  🙂

And in Booking It news…last night, I went old school style again.  My husband found me crouched in front of the bookshelf, searching for my old Linda Howard titles.  Ah, Linda Howard–another one of my long-time favorites.  I re-read TEARS OF THE RENEGADE, THE CUTTING EDGE, and LOVING EVANGELINE (one I’m pretty sure that was made into a Lifetime movie at some point).  All great reads–emotional and sexy stories. Howard is a master of the emotional and sexy stories.

Last week on BOOKING IT, I talked about how I wanted to read more (paranormal) Christmas stories. Well, my Howard quest last night reminded me that Linda Howard wrote three holiday novellas.  Her work appeared in these anthologies:  CHRISTMAS KISSES, DELIVERED BY CHRISTMAS, and UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR.  Uh, huh–guess what I’ll be looking for on my keeper shelves tonight?   🙂

As usual, if you’ve got any books that you want to mention for BOOKING IT Monday, feel free. They can be stories you’ve recently read, upcoming releases–any books you like.

Have a great Monday!

Candy Ready (if you haven’t heard of her Godivas–you are missing out!) is guest blogging today over at The Bradford Bunch. Candy is a real sweetheart of a lady–and a writer to watch!