Zoe Winters is giving away a free ebook (her novella, KEPT) over at her site.  I’ve been eagerly waiting to read this one–and it will definitely be featured in next week’s BOOKING IT post. Just wanted to go ahead and give you a head’s up. It’s free! Go read it!  🙂

So it’s finally here. Thanksgiving week.  I had some turkey over the weekend at a friend’s pre-Thanksgiving party, and now I’m desperate for more.  Come on, Thursday, come on!!!

As I think about Thanksgiving, I realize I have so many things to be thankful for this year. My son. My husband. My home. My writing.  My books.

Oh, yeah, I’m thankful for the thousands of books on my shelf.  But you know what I’m also realizing?  I cannot remember the last book that actually featured Thanksgiving in the plot. Can someone help me out?  Come on–I could fit a Thanksgiving read in real fast!

Some of my fellow Bradford authors have great releases this week, so I’d like to take a moment to spotlight them.

First up, Shelli Stevens (I so enjoy her stories!) has a print release of DANGEROUS GROUNDS.  Here’s the blurb (love it!):

Something’s hot in Seattle, and it’s not just the espresso.

The Seattle Steam series

Madison’s needs are simple. All she wants are two things: Make Ooo La Latté the newest trend in espresso, and seduce the sexiest cop in Seattle. But things aren’t going exactly as planned.

First, Gabe’s a little hung up on the fact that she’s his best friend’s little sister, and he’s determined to keep his hands off. Second, her shop gets robbed by the increasingly violent Espresso Bandit, and now she’s the only one who can identify him.

Gabe whisks her into hiding for her own protection, but soon finds his heart is under assault by the luscious—and persistent—Madison. But no matter where they hide, danger follows.

On such dangerous grounds, the trick will be to live long enough to keep the flame alive.

And the always amazing Lauren Dane also has a print release out this week.  Just in time for your holiday shopping, you can pick up Shelli’s sexy read and Lauren’s hot title:  HOLIDAY SEDUCTION.  (This is an anthology that includes Lauren’s story and a tale by mega talented Jaci Burton.)  Here’s the blurbage for your reading pleasure:

To Do List by Lauren Dane: Since she could pick up a pencil, Belle Taylor has used lists and charts to map out her life. When she achieves a goal, she marks it off her to do list. Simple. But now, just steps away from her corner-office, name-on-the-letterhead goal, she realizes that the life she thought she wanted may come at too high a price.

Exhausted, she retreats home for Christmas vacation to rethink her life, complete with all-new lists. What she hadn’t expected is Rafe Bettencourt, her brother’s best friend, the man who she thought only saw her as a pesky younger sister. But when he kisses her under the mistletoe, Belle finds herself with a whole new set of goals to balance with what she thought she always wanted.

Rafe knows Belle is trying to figure out what to do with her life. He also knows he’s done loving her from afar, and he’s not beneath making it as hard as possible for her to choose to return to San Francisco.

Because Rafe can make to-do lists too—and his plan is to seduce Belle back home where she belongs. At his side. And in his bed.

UNWRAPPED by Jaci Burton: Amy’s kind of fantasies wouldn’t cut it in the straight-laced law firm where she’s fought her way to partnership. And she refuses to let a younger man use her to advance in the firm. Justin might be brilliant, gorgeous and sexy, but he’s firmly implanted in the look-but-don’t-touch realm. Until a corporate acquisition in Hawaii over Christmas gives Justin the opportunity to show Amy he’s interested in her as a woman. And he has the ideal plan to help unwrap the perfect Christmas gift for Amy.

And, of course, today’s Booking It wouldn’t be complete unless I, um, listed my own title. (Come on, my blog, my promo!!!)  Tomorrow, the second book in my Midnight trilogy, MIDNIGHT SINS, will be available at a bookstore near you–yep, just in time for that holiday shopping!!!

MIDNIGHT SINS:

Cara Maloan doesn’t look like a monster. In fact, the gorgeous blond nightclub singer possesses heavenly attributes that make Atlanta detective Todd Brooks sure there’s a higher power somewhere. But a twisted killer is leaving a trail of bodies in seedy hotel rooms across town. The male victims show no wounds–it’s as if the life was simply drained from them. And right now, mysterious Cara is Todd’s only suspect.

Cara knows it’s foolish to be so drawn to a man who thinks she’s a murderer. She also knows Detective Brooks would find the truth even harder to swallow. Cara is one of the Other, a race of powerful, paranormal creatures who live among humans. Cara’s particular abilities make men putty in her hands–all except this rugged, sexy-as-hell detective. But now someone, or something, has singled Cara out for serious payback…

As uneasy trust gives way to mind-blowing desire, Cara and Todd will go head-to-head with a killer whose mission is deeply personal, and who’s determined to serve up revenge that’s hotter than hellfire, and just as deadly…

So, what are you waiting for? Go shop!

(And, seriously, if you can think of a Thanksgiving title, please let me know!)

The always fabulous Edie Ramer is guest posting over at The Bradford Bunch (a great post that you do not want to miss!). A lucky commenter will win one hot-off-the-presses copy of Lauren Dane‘s new book, UNDERCOVER.  Go–check out the blog!

Wow, Friday!  Yes!  🙂  I’m continuing my adventures in blogging today–I’m over at the Naughty & Spice blog (thanks to an invitation by the very talented Shelli Stevens–thank you, Shelli!).  My post topic over there is:  Monster in the Man.  I’m discussing how I like for my heroes to be a bit more than just men.  Come by and comment and you could receive an autographed copy of MIDNIGHT SINS!

The awesomely talented Lauren Dane is also giving away a copy of MIDNIGHT SINS on her blog–head over and check out her contest!

Today is the big premiere of Twlight. I have to admit (with some embarrassment) that I haven’t read the book yet. I will see the movie though, hopefully tonight, and reading the book is on my agenda.  Cause you know I do love me some vampires!

The ever kind Greta gave me an I LOVE YOUR BLOG Award. Thanks, Greta!  I love your blog, too!!

Now I get to recognize 7 blogs that I love for this award, too.  Really hard–b/c I love way more than seven. I visit so many blogs each day. I am often a crazy big lurker.  I probably have about twenty favorites, but I’ll try to limit to seven. Don’t want to be a rule breaker…

1. Edie Ramer. Edie, I’m pretty sure you’ve won this prize before, but you deserve it again.  Always positive, always fresh. Great topics!

2. And Greta–so do you.  🙂  I do so love your blog and I know I’m not the only one. You haven’t been in blogland long, but you’ve already made a huge impression on folks. Thanks for a great blog!

3. Bookmom–come on, you didn’t think I would overlook your place, did you? One of my favorite stops! I look forward to your book reviews. They help me decide what to purchase.  And that Santa toilet seat you’ve got up now…so made me smile. And, um, I think I want one!

4. The Eclectic Connoisseur.  Ashley’s blog is new, too, but the woman always has good cooking tips and for the kitchen impaired (that would be me), this is always bonus.

5. LaDonna Paulette.  Love your blog, LaDonna!  You know I do! Another positive place to hang out on the web.  With great writing topics.

6. Rhonda’s Ramblings. I always enjoy your ramblings, Rhonda.  And all your sweating with Sven is helping to keep me motivated!

7. Zoe Winters!  Zoe, I know you are crazy busy right now, but your blog always makes me think so I had to award this to you. And, yep, I know you’ve gotten this award before. Hey–it’s just more praise, lady!

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

Hi, everyone!  Yep, I am continuing my adventures in blogland today. I’m guest posting over at the Maverick Authors. My topic? Writing a trilogy.  Have I mentioned that I love trilogies? I’m like that poor guy from the Scream movies.  I like to spout trilogy rules to anyone who will listen to me–so come by and give a listen, er, read.   🙂

And the Maverick Authors–Lauren Dane, Megan Hart, and Anya Bast–well, these are three awesomely talented authors and they happen to be incredibly nice ladies, too.  (Thanks for inviting me to guest post, ladies!)

* * *

Now, I’d like to talk a bit about giving. So, yes, this is an annual holiday giving post and yes, that does mean I may get a bit preachy–but I’ll try really hard not to go overboard. Promise.

Times are tough right now. No denying it. Every time I open the newspaper or turn on the TV, I hear about more foreclosures or job losses. Very tough times. So, when money is tight for people, that means this time of the year is even harder. Because although holidays are absolutely wonderful, if you don’t have money to buy a present for your child or if you don’t have money to put a Christmas meal (or any meal!) on the table, even the magic of the holidays will fall flat for you.

But because times are tough, people may not be able to give to charities as much as they have in past years. I know that I’ve seen an awful lot of empty Toys for Tots boxes this year.  When I see ’em, I think yeah, okay, maybe it’s just too early for donations. I hope I’m right about that. I hope it’s just too early and that those boxes will fill up. But like I said before, times are tough.

So, now we come to the giving part of my post. This is the part where I challenge you to give this year.  🙂  First, let’s start with some giving options that won’t cost you any out of pocket money:

1. Go through your closet.  If you’ve got clothes that you don’t wear, give them to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. If your kids’ clothes don’t fit, give some of them away.  No cost to you.  You’re cleaning up the clutter and helping someone else.

2. Check your cabinets. Do you have some canned goods that are just sitting there?  Something you bought but aren’t going to use? Donate ’em to the local food bank.

3. Don’t forget the animals. Want to feed a dog or cat? All you have to do is click this link.  Seriously, click it.  Free!

4. Do you have an elderly neighbor?  One who doesn’t get a lot of visitors but has a ton of leaves in her yard? Go by for a visit. Rake. Talk.

Now, yes, there are giving options that do require money, and I’m going to list just a few…

1. Those Toys for Tots boxes that I mentioned? If you can spare the money, why not pick up one present and drop it inside? The box won’t be empty then.

2. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program. I’ve been a long-time supporter of this program. When I was in college, I worked in the Angel distribution center and I got to see first hand the difference these gifts made. If you can afford it this holiday season, adopt a child.

3. Don’t forget the elderly.  My local Walgreen’s (I visit that store WAY too much) always has a tree up with names on it (very much like the Salvation Army Angel Tree but these names are for folks in the local nursing home).  These people don’t want expensive gifts. Usually they want socks or cookies–you can get these items in the store and turn them right back in at the register.  So easy and it makes such a difference. Because no one likes to be forgotten at Christmas.

Okay, there are many, many more ways to give. And if you’ve got a good one you want to share, please post it.

And that ends my annual giving rant.