Kensington Brava has made an offer on my paranormal romance novella, In the Dark. Yay! This story should be released next Halloween (ah, what a great time of the year) in a Halloween Bad Boys anthology.

I’ve had readers email me about vampire extraordinaire Liam Sullivan, one of the secondary characters in Wicked Ways (from the WHEN HE WAS BAD anthology), and, hey–good news! He’s the hero of In the Dark. 🙂 Want a tease of his story? Here you go–this is the very beginning of the novella:

* * *

Her dead lover stood on the other side of the bar, rubbing his hand against the back of some long-legged redhead and looking very much alive.

Sadie James drew in a deep breath. Caught the scent of smoke. Expensive perfume. Sweat.

I went to that jerk’s funeral. Cried over his grave.

A grave he didn’t seem to be occupying.

She’d even taken flowers to the graveside.

The redhead laughed. Tossed back her head. The man turned, braced his hand against the wall behind her head and leaned in even closer to her.

Rage had Sadie’s back teeth grinding together.

She stalked across the bar, elbowing dancing men and women out of her way. Her fingers curled, and a hard fury tightened her body.

Two years. For two damn years she’d thought he was dead. While he was out there screwing redheads. Redheads who wore really trashy pink dresses.

He was bent over the woman now. His mouth poised over her throat.

Sadie was going to rip the bastard apart.

The redhead laughed. A high, tipsy giggle.

Sadie growled.

And even though she was still at least ten feet away, and the music blaring from the band jumping on stage was ear-splitting loud, Liam Sullivan stiffened. His dark head snapped up. He spun around, scanning the crowd.

His eyes, too damn blue and bright for a dead man, locked on her. She saw his stare widen and his lips began to curve into a smile—

A smile she’d knock off his still too-handsome face. “Liam.”

I recently had the pleasure of reading Parker Blue’s BITE ME.

Here’s the book’s blurb:

Barely eighteen-year-old heroine Valentine Shapiro got a raw deal in the parent lottery. Her father was part incubus demon, and her mother’s never forgiven her for that.

Life after high school is tough enough without having to go 15 rounds with your inner demon. Thrown out of the house by her mother, Val puts one foot in front of the other and does the only thing that seems to make any sense–she takes aim at the town vampires. A stake a day, keeps the demon at bay. (But don’t call her Buffy. That makes Lola, her demon, very cranky.)

Her dark side makes everyday life a roller coaster, but means she’s perfect for her night job as a bounty hunter. San Antonio’s vampires are out of control, and it’s up to Val, her faithful hellhound Fang, and her new partner, a handsome San Antonio police detective, to get the deadly fangbangers off the city streets.

Soon enough she finds herself deep in the underbelly of the city, discovering the secrets of the Demon Underground and fighting to save those she loves. Whether they love her back or not.

* * *

What did I think of this book? I thought it was wicked fun. I loved the heroine–a YA character who felt real and had one tough attitude. Smart-talking, a fierce fighter…and Val (Valentine) had one heck of a funny sidekick, too.

Non-stop action. Twists and turns. Monsters. Danger. And a cute hellhound. Come on, I couldn’t ask for me.

Well, maybe I could ask for more…another book about Val. 🙂

(And Zoe, I have you to thank for my new interest in YA stories. First BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE, and now BITE ME…)

Has anyone else read a great book lately? Share!

I love the city of Atlanta. Love it–hey, I’ve set three books and a novella there, I have to be a fan of the city! So, in addition to attending the Moonlight and & Magnolias conference this weekend, I did take the time to tour around the city with my husband and son.

Actually, as we were heading into the city, I noticed that Nick had sat up really straight in his seat and his gaze started to sweep over all the buildings. Curious, I asked, “What are you doing?”

His answer. “Trying to find out where Paradise Found is.”

I just shook my head. The man is sweet, though–he reads all my books, and he really was trying to figure out where I’d located Niol’s club. Cute.

But…on to the conference!

I had the pleasure of meeting lots of great folks in Atlanta. Everyone at the conference was excited about romance and that is such a good thing.

On Friday evening, I met Kimberly Killion–she writes historicals for Kensington. Of course, I had to buy her book, HER ONE DESIRE, at the book signing. I’d heard too many good things about that book. No way could I pass it up!

And here’s a pic of me and Kimberly, right before the book signing kicked off:

I also was lucky enough to meet the “Cata” ladies in person. Ally and Donna of Cata Romance (and eCata, and Single Titles, and Sensual–the Cata Network has expanded so wonderfully well!) stopped by the book signing on Saturday.

Those ladies just made me smile.

And, thank you, Victoria, for my knitting lesson!  🙂

I’ve got to say, getting the chance to meet writers and romance readers–my favorite part of conferences.

My next big event will be the 2009 RT Convention in Orlando. REALLY looking forward to that one! Anyone else planning to be at RT?

I’m starting a new feature here on the old blog. On Mondays, I’ll be talking books–books I’ve read, books I want to read…everything books. So, on Mondays, feel free to post and tell me about the good books you’ve read or books that you’d like to read.

Today, I want to begin by giving a book shout to two fellow Bradford Lit authors. Vivi Anna and Anya Bast both have October releases–paranormals, so they are perfect for Halloween.

Vivi’s new book, VEILED TRUTH, is the third installment in the Valorian Chronicles (it’s available now!)–and, to celebrate the launch of the book, Vivi is running a cool contest over on her blog.

Here’s the blurb for VEILED TRUTH:

Five years ago, virginal Lyra Magice had fled powerful dhampir Theron LeNoir’s advances. But now an ancient text the dhampir possesses holds the key to solving murders that have plagued Necropolis. When another body is found and evidence points to the Mistress of the city, duty dictates that Lyra work with Theron—a man she regards as haughty, arrogant and immoral—to translate the symbols left at the crime scenes. But with their forced alliance comes darkly sensual dreams that leave her feeling wanton and achy….

Unwilling to reveal his dark past, the dhampir soon discovers that Lyra—a witch of great power—is to be the sacrificial virgin in a demonic scheme to open a portal to hell itself. Salvation will come only if Theron can win Lyra’s trust—and her heart.

* * *

Next up…vampires! Ah, but I have been wanting to read Anya Basta’s THE CHOSEN SIN ever since I first saw the gorgeous cover of this book.

Ready for the blurb?

In this sensuous and lust-filled otherworld, the Chosen are vampires fighting for their very existence.

It is Daria’s destiny to become one of them…

Daria Morris is a special forces agent with one obsession: to wreak vengeance on the brutal vampire who nearly destroyed her. Now she’s finally about to get her chance, on one condition. She must become something she detests: a vampire.

Her fate rests upon one man’s lethal bite. His name is Alejandro Martinez, and he can help her infiltrate a highly guarded group of the Chosen. But Alejandro is also a distraction for Daria. Because thirteen years ago, they shared a scorching night of passion neither has forgotten.

Now, while Daria struggles against her newfound bloodlust, the two must slip into the shadows to bring a monster to justice—even as their desire threatens to consume them. But under the cover of night, they’ll discover that it’s the darkness within that may stand in the way of their hunger for retribution…

* * *

THE CHOSEN SIN releases tomorrow–TOMORROW!

Two great paranormal reads…just in time to put you in a great paranormal mood for Halloween.

Tomorrow, I’ll be back to talk about my trip to Moonlight & Magnolias–with pics. 🙂

If you’ve got some Booking It info to post, please do! Happy Monday!

(Psst…I’m also blogging over at Divas of the Dark today.  Talking about just why I love October.  Are you an October lover, too?)

I’ll be leaving soon–I’m heading to Atlanta for the Moonlight and Magnolias conference. If you’re attending the event, please, stop and say hi!  I always love going to conferences and meeting new people.  And I meet such fun people at romance conferences.

There is a book signing scheduled from 4-5:30 on Saturday, October 4th (at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast), so if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and stock up on books!

Since I’ll be leaving soon, I thought I’d leave blog links:

Edie Ramer has been talking about the trick of pulling herself together–ever feel like you’re being pulled in too many directions?

LaDonna posted some techniques for maintaining creativity (and sanity!).

Fierce Romance has a blog interview posted with the always fabulous Saskia Walker.

Michelle is talking about 13 important craft considerations over at Magical Musings.

And Rhonda wants to know just how far you’d go for a book…

Have a great weekend!