Okay, I’ve mentioned this great contest before, but the kickoff day (August 1st) is sneaking up on us, so I wanted to make certain I listed the Brava Novella Contest details again.

So, for any writer who may be interested, here are the rules as taken from the 2007 Brava Novella Contest page:

“The Rules:
1. The 5th annual Brava Novella Contest will begin accepting entries at midnight central time on August 1, 2007 and will cease accepting entries at midnight central time on September 30, 2007.

2. All entries must be made using the online entry form that will be forthcoming. Watch this page and the message board — Contest Forum — for information. No email or snail mail entries will be accepted.

3. Entries will be 750 words (computer count/actual word count) and entrant’s choice of any scene in the novella. Entries over 750 words will be disqualified.

4. This year, for the first time, the contest will have a theme. Entries must be written to the theme of: reunited lovers.

5. All entries will be judged by established Brava authors with the top twenty finalists being judged by Kensington Editorial Director Kate Duffy. As in previous years, there will also be voting by readers with the highest voted entry being named the “Readers’ Choice.”

6. Judging will be held during the month of October with winners announced by November 15, 2007.

7. One entry per person. Open to unpublished authors and those published with houses other than Kensington.

The Reward:

If your 750 word entry is selected as one of the 20 finalists, your entry will be read by Kate Duffy. “

So, good news–I’ve gotten a cover for HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT, my May 08 Kensington Brava release. If you gaze a tad to the right–yep, that’s it! A tagline or quote (because I got a great quote from one of my favorite authors, Shannon McKenna) will be inserted later. I am so excited about this cover! I love the blue tint, and the guy looks so much like my hero. I’ve heard horror stories of covers that depicted a man that looked nothing like the guy in the story–so I don’t have to worry about that (thanks to Megan and all the great people at Kensington who worked on this cover!).

And I just heard more good news–the novella I submitted to Kensington has been accepted! Woo-hoo! So, I’ll have HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT released in May, then in June, I’ll be in an anthology called WHEN HE WAS BAD. My novella (now with the tentative title of “Wicked Ways”) is another paranormal suspense tale, and the hero is a jaguar-shifter. So, yeah, all of that jaguar research I was doing paid off for me!

My second Kensington novel is still slated for a December 08 release date, and I’ve just discovered (because I didn’t do the simple math until now), that from December 1, 2007–December 31, 2008, I’ll have six releases. Jeez but that makes me giddy. Two of those releases will be from Red Sage, one will be from Avon Red (by the way, I finished copy-edits on “New Year’s Bites” on Sunday), and the rest will be my Kensington stories.

Definitely time for me to start reading those promo books!!!

A final note–Happy Birthday, Dad! See you soon with cake and presents!

I’ve posted an inteview with Felecia Mills, one of the Red Sage editors, at The Bradford Bunch. If you get a chance, stop by and take a look!

And I hope everyone out there has a fabulous 4th of July!!! Play safe with the fireworks!! 🙂

Okay, let me just go ahead and say this–I’m a HUGE fan of Julie Garwood‘s historicals. Often funny, always emotional, I just love her tales!

So, when I went to the Keeper Closet today, I knew that I’d be pulling one of her books.

Here’s the blurb for Guardian Angel:

“The Emerald flew across the seas, carrying the pirate Pagan–despised by the ton, whose riches he plundered, and beloved by the poor, whose plight was eased by his gifts.

The Marquess of Cainewood vows to hunt down the pirate wretch in revenge for his brother’s death. But when Jade, an enchanting vision of rippling red hair and eyes of jewel-green, appears at his door to beg desperately for his protection, the Marquess agrees to keep her safe from the villains who want her dead. Jade is infuriating, exasperating, and gorgeous; Caine is noble, strong-willed, and powerful. No woman has ever befuddled him so, nor so deeply aroused his desire. But as Jade answers his knowing caresses with an innocent, wild abandon, they are drawn into a web of treachery that will test the very heart of their love!”

Why I like Guardian Angel:

Cuz it’s an oldie but a goodie, of course! Okay, actually, I really like the heroine, Jade. A woman who is much more than meets the eye, I found her to be intelligent, resourceful, and adventurous.

Julie Garwood can craft an amazing story–whether she’s writing historicals or contemporaries, but I’ve always had a soft spot for her historicals. In Guardian Angel, she weaves a web of deception, deception based on good intentions, but deception nonetheless. The characters are strong, capable, and the chemistry between the Marquess and his lady is undeniable.

A fun, entertaining tale.

Oh, and did I mention that I just really love pirate stories, hmm?

Next time, I’ll profile one of my favorite paranormals. Stay tuned!

UPDATE: THE PARANORMAL CREATURES CONTEST has now closed. Congratulations to Sandy–she’s won an autographed copy of Secrets, Volume 18: Dark Passions and an autographed copy of The Wizard’s Spell.

If you didn’t win, don’t worry–there will be more contests! Actually, I’m running one right now over at the Brava blog. Leave a comment and tell me which book is your all-time favorite beach read, and you could win a $15 Amazon gift certificate.