Okay, today is the official launch of the Witty and Wicked Book Club (thanks to Ashley for the name).

Here are the rules for the book club:

1. The book must be a romance novel.

Um, yeah, that’s the only rule. LOL. This month, the club is going to be focusing on a paranormal read. I asked if I could pick the first book and the lovely ladies who’ve helped me form the group (Zoe, Amber, Ashley, Amanda, and Felecia) gave me the go-ahead. You see, to be chosen as a selection, one of the group’s moderators must have read and LOVED the book. No blind picking based on an excerpt or synopsis or sexy cover. One of us has had to read the book, cover to cover, and have been unable to put the book down.

(So, um, I guess that does make rule number two.)

But, enough rambling from me. On to the pick.

The Witty and Wicked Book Club selection for August is:

Here’s the blurb:

In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life…

She’s a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure—but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his desire to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable—and let Tayla possess him, body and soul…

* * *

Why this book was selected: First, full disclosure–I know Larissa. I know her and think she’s a great lady. But, my knowing her didn’t have anything to do with the selection of this book. I picked this book because it was dark and hot and deep and it made me uncomfortable at times and it made me worry and it made me keep turning pages like my hands were on fire. In short, I selected this book because I had to do it. The book rocked that much. (And, on another note–I know a lot of authors out there. Just because you know me doesn’t mean your book can’t be considered for our book club and, by the same token, it doesn’t mean the book will be selected, either. Again, refer to my previous ramble–one of the moderators must read the book and LOVE it. Each moderator is in charge of a different month and sub-genre.)

Here’s a link to an excerpt from PLEASURE UNBOUND.

And to some reviews the book has received.

This book can be purchased–well, just about anywhere. I’ve seen it at Wal-Mart, seen it at Books-a-Million, Barnes and Noble, and, of course, Amazon. It’s a mass market book.

I’m going to be putting this book’s information up on the Witty and Wicked MySpace page and up at the book club’s yahoo group. This book club has a physical group (probably not the best word; I just mean there are about 9 of us who live in the same area and will meet to talk about the book), but the reason we have the MySpace page and the Yahoo group is so that long distance folks can participate, too. So, if you want to participate, sign up with the Yahoo group! You can pop in and out, participating in the months you’d like. You can try some new books and enjoy some good reads.

Now, Larissa doesn’t know that her book was selected–cause she’s partying it up with almost everyone else in San Francisco, so–suprise, Larissa! Loved your book! But I am going to ask Larissa if she’ll be available to talk with the group (via Yahoo) at the end of the month about the book.

And if you’re an author who would like to submit your book to us for selection consideration, please send an email to wittyandwickedbooks@gmail.com.

Happy reading!

A big thank you to everyone who entered my Christmas in July contest!   I was kinda stunned by all the entries–stunned in that nice, happy way.  🙂

So, here’s a quick recap of the prizes that are up for grabs:

First place prize: Advanced Reader’s Copy of MIDNIGHT SINS and $25 Amazon.com gift certificate

Second place prize: Advanced Reader’s Copy of MIDNIGHT SINS and $15 Amazon.com gift certificate

Third place prize: MIDNIGHT SINS T-Shirt (all the cool kids have ‘em!) and any book from my backlist.

* * *

Now…for the winners!  (Picked via a random drawing of all the correct entries–and, by correct, I mean you told me the right answer to my question.)

First place prize: Jennifer Graham

Second place prize: Limecello

Third place prize:  Kimmy Lane

I’ll be contacting the winners privately today with prize claim information.

Thanks again for all the entries–and stay tuned.  More contests will be coming!

Just a quick reminder–it’s the last day to enter my Christmas in July contest!  🙂

I received page proofs for MIDNIGHT SINS, so I have to go and get busy reading ’em.  I love seeing page proofs, because the next step is the book.

Check back tomorrow–the first book club selection from Witty and Wicked Books will be up!

So, I figured it was long past time that I updated my events page because I’ve got some conferences coming up.

Here are some of my more immediate (by immediate, I mean the next few months) plans:

August 29-August 31, 2008: Heather Graham Writers for New Orleans Workshop.

October 3-October 5, 2008: Moonlight and Magnolias Conference in Atlanta, GA.

November 1, 2008: Romance Reader’s Luncheon in Birmingham, AL.

Next year, I’ll be attending the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Orlando (April 22-26, 2009). I had such a great time at my last RT Convention–I’m really looking forward to the trip!

I don’t know yet if I’ll be at the RWA Convention in Washington, D.C., or not in July of 2009. I like D.C., but I haven’t firmed up my plans for that trip yet. Right now, I’m super envious of all my writing buddies who are at the big convention in San Francisco, so if I don’t want to be eaten up by the envy again, I might better plan to get my butt on a plane!

Hope to see some of you on my travels!

I woke up with this song in my head today. As I’ve rambled around the house, I’ve caught myself singing it a few times. Sigh. I know why, of course–got a big fight scene coming up in my WIP–and this song, well, it’s one that would fit my hero, Jude, pretty well.

I have a feeling this song won’t be going anywhere until that scene is done. Let’s just hope I don’t scare any nice folks by bursting out with this song while I’m shopping in Wal-Mart. 🙂

In other news, today is an awesome book release day.

First up, TURBULENT SEA by Christine Feehan. I love Feehan’s stories. (I’ve been addicted since my first Carpathian read.) This release is a Drake Sisters story–only one more to go!

The next book I want? THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER by Angie Fox. Looks hilarious!

More news:  Angela Knight has a great interview up with Fox news. Such a very classy lady.

For all of those heading off to San Francisco for the big convention–have fun, be safe–and bring me back some good industry news/gossip!