RomCon Reader - June 2015 by RomCon

RomCon 2015 Schedule

June 2015

DiANN MILLS:

WRITING WARRIORS PLUS...

EVE LANGLAIS KAT MARTIN BECKY WADE VANESSA VALE LUCY MONROE CA SZAREK JADE LEE LAVERNE THOMPSON SYLVIA MCDANIEL BONNIE PHELPS

RomCon速 2015 | Interviews | Articles | Excerpts | Nerdy Girl Book Reviews Recommendations

JUNE 2015

70 Cover

ISSUE #7

Spotlight:

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE: DIANN MILLS Writing Warriors plus an excerpt from her latest book, Double Cross

Genre Spotlights & Book Excerpts: 18

PARANORMAL: EVE LANGLAIS

An excerpt from Adam

PARANORMAL LAVERNE THOMSPON

Behind The Scenes Story Plus an excerpt from 50 Ways To Ruin A Rake

An Interview: Thayla Plus an excerpt from Redemption

EROTIC ROMANCE: VANESSA VALE

CONTEMPORARY: BONNIE PHELPS

CONTEMPORARY: LUCY MONROE An excerpt from Wild Heat

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JUNE 2015

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE KAT MARTIN An Interview Plus an excerpt from Against The Tide

Meet Jason Plus an excerpt from Julia’s Star

HISTORICAL: SYLVIA MCDANIEL An excerpt from Dangerous

Their Kidnapped Bride

HISTORICAL: JADE LEE

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE CA SZAREK Balancing “Reader” and “Writer” Plus an excerpt from Collision Course

INSPIRATIONAL: BECKY WADE Q &A Plus an excerpt from A Love Like Ours

NERDY GIRL BOOK REVIEWS HOT READS!

RomCon 2015: 24 46 56

ROMCON READER WEEKEND/UNIVERSITY EVENTS/WORKSHOPS READER LUNCHEON 411 ATTENDING AUTHOR LIST

2015 FINALIST LIST

JUNE 2015

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Editor’s Note From the Desk of Michele Callahan Hello everyone. It’s finally here. Summer.And with summer, comes those great summer beach reads. Or poolside reads. Or backyard reads. Heck, read on the front porch. We won’t judge. As for me, I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. I have heard rumors that most of you readers out there read more in the winter than in the summer. Me? I’m one of the strange few on the reverse schedule. School season is crazy around here, so every summer I try to play catch up on all the new books in my favorite series and to finally start digging into the infamous TBR pile (which has never, ever in history been completely conquered.) Whatever your summer plans, I hope you find time for a good book, good friends, and some fun. Even if you can’t take a vacation this year, I hope you read about a grand adventure or exotic destination. Read a historical novel and go visit the sites in the book. If you’re on a budget and willing to write honest reviews, you can read for free all summer long! Check out our new reading buddies over at Nerdy Girl Book Reviews. And if you can get away for a fun weekend with the girls, don’t forget to register for RomCon in Denver this September. We’ve got an amazing list of authors coming to spend the weekend with us. There is a lot to look forward to. Happy Summer Break everyone! Hugs & Happy Reading, Michele Callahan Michele Callahan is a certifiably obsessed romance fan, an author, and the founder and President of RomCon®.To find out more about Michele and her books visit her website: michelecallahan.com.

RomCon® & The Readers’ Crown® are registered service marks of Romance Conventions Inc., 992 S. 4th Ave Ste. 100-422, Brighton, CO 80601 CORPORATE OFFICERS: Founder & President: Michele Callahan Vice President: Jennifer Zane RomCon® STAFF & VOLUNTEERS: Websites and Social Media: Blog Scheduling: Karen Docter Advertising: Heather Cole Book Cover Store: Heather Cole Graphic Design: Tabatha Hansen, Jennifer Zane Content Editor: Michele Callahan Social Media Coordinator: Lori Kander Erotic Romance Group: Heather Cole Readers’ Crown: heather@romconinc.com Reader Judges: 500+ and counting Elite Level Reader Judges: In no particular order - (Thank you!) Amy M., Janon S., Candace C., Debbie S., Lori Y., Lorie K., Jessica D., Rebecca C., Pua T., Elaine B., Toni L., Pat R., Jan K., Dottie A., Christina M., Anita M., Laura Y., Amy W., Sheila H., Wendy P. RomCon® 2015 Reader Weekend & Writer’s University - Convention Convention Director: Michele Callahan Programs and Author Liaison: Karen Docter Programs: Maggie Mae Gallagher, Cynthia Woolf Registration and Staff: Michele Callahan Advertising: RomCon Reader eMagazine: Ciick here. RomCon Website: Click here. Questions: heather@romconinc.com

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JUNE 2015

AMAZING BOOKS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE!

RomCon’s Reader Rating program has joined with new partner, Nerdy Girl Book Reviews to provide you with the latest reviews on great books!

MURDER, MI AMORE BY CARA MARSI Reviewed by: Michelle D’Agosta Genre: Romantic Suspense Heat Level: Hot

Murder, Mi Amore was an unexpected gem! This fast-paced story had it all--international jewel theft, car chases, murder and--of course--romance. Cara Marsi is a talented writer whose detailed descriptions make the reader feel like they are there. I felt like I was in the piazza in Rome living the action along with the main characters. Her characters were well-developed, and the relationship between the main characters developed in a believable fashion. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author!

ALPHA’S MATE: SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ADDITION BY CARYN MOYA BLOCK Reviewed by: Trina Lozoya Genre: Paranormal Romance Heat Level: Hot

Ms. Block’s world building is great - it’s just enough different to hold interest, while being somewhat familiar to the genre. I enjoyed that the angst in this book was not so much internal between the two main characters, but external to the couple from pack problems. There was no girl on girl “you’re taking the Alpha” tension, which was refreshing. Overall, however, I very much enjoyed re-reading this book and have put the remainder of the series on my TBR list once again.

TORKEL’S CHOSEN BY MICHELLE HOWARD Reviewed by: Martina A Genre: Fantasy/ Scifi Romance Heat Level: Hot

I understand why some found this “dissatisfying” but only for the reason they don’t like other peoples harsh and torturous realities. The book has a good amount of humor, lust, and love, but if you can not stomach reading about abuse, betrayal, torture and the repercussions please skip this.The author wove a realistic tale in a “fantasy” world. I liked this book a lot.

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JUNE 2015

KISSED BY CARLA KRAE Reviewed by: Michelle D’Agosta Genre: New Adult Romance Heat Level: Hot

Who among us hasn’t crushed on the older, out of our league “bad” boy? A who’s been there can relate to Beth’s story. Her experiences and feelings for Jake brought me right back to that time and the heady yet scary feeling of first love. I love the how believable that relationship was and it made me nostalgic for that fluttery feeling of a first crush. To see that realized and to see these friends-to-lovers find a happy ending was truly enjoyable. Fun escapism at its best!

NAKED EDGE BY CHARLOTTE ABEL Reviewed by: Rhonda Tunis Genre: Contemporary Romance Heat Level: Hot

My first book by Charlotte. It has such depth of emotion. You feel the pain and the joy right along with the characters. I really enjoyed the Boulder setting too. Haven’t seen many books set in this area. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more from the other characters.

THOSE RED HIGH HEELS BY KATHERINE MAY Reviewed by: Nicole Laughman Genre: Contemporary Romance Heat Level: Mild

My regret with this book was that I started it too late at night and couldn’t put it down until I finished it! I loved Emma’s character. She is not your typical lead character in a romance book, pining after her ex or desired lover. She had a strong sense of self and independence that is so admirable that I kept cheering her on with every choice she made. I was worried that there would be some annoying cliches but it was so well written with many twists that kept me guessing. It was such a wonderful, feel-good read that I will definitely add it on my “to re-read list”.

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JUNE 2015

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RomCon’s Reader Rating program has joined with new partner, Nerdy Girl Book Reviews to provide you with the latest reviews on great books!

CONVINCING CAMI BY BABETTE JAMES Reviewed by: Heidi Huddleston Genre: Contemporary Romance Heat Level: Hot

I really enjoyed this book and wait to read Tempting Tessa. I read Kissing Katie first and really enjoyed it so I decided to read the second book in the series as well. I’m happy that I found out about this author and the types of books that she writes. This is just the kind of book that I’ve been looking for. I’m looking forward to reading future books from Babette.

HIGH RISK LOVE BY S.J. MAYER Reviewed by: Tonja Jasinski Genre: New Adult Romance Heat Level: Mild

This was the first book I have read by SJ Mayer, and absolutely loved it. Loved reading about Jasmine and Jet and seeing all the issues they had to work through in order to be together. This book had me on the edge of my seat with suspense, so glad they got their HEA. Can’t wait to read more about Jasper & Hugh. My only minor complaint, is that at times the reading flow was a bit sluggish, either from wordiness or word choices that nagged at me. Overall, however, I very much enjoyed re-reading this book and have put the remainder of the series on my TBR list once again.

THE SEDUCTION OF MADALYN BY CYNTHIA A CLEMENT Reviewed by: Letitia Moore Genre: Historical Romance Heat Level: Hot

Lately I’ve been reading books with a lot of action, mystery, murder and sex. I forgot how full filling it is to read a book that gives you just enough so you’ll want more. This book is well written and the characters draw you in. The story was so addictive, I couldn’t stop reading until the end. It has several villains, plots of revenge, greed and true love. What else do you need? I highly recommend this book.

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JUNE 2015

DEFIANCE BY ADRIENNE MONSON Review by: Heather M. Fellows Genre: Paranormal Romance Heat Level: Mild

This was a book that sunk its teeth into you and would not let go. The characters were memorable and developed nicely in the story. Now that I am hooked I must continue the series.

ESCAPE TO PARADISE BY ROBYN RYCHARDS Reviewed by: Isha Coleman Genre: Contemporary Romance Heat Level: Mild

Escape to Paradise is an awe-inspiring story about knowing and finding self-worth, no matter what others think. Andree and Maximillian are total opposites. Andree is naive due to living on an island paradise and Lian is brooding, frustrated and troubled due to the crazy celebrity filled life he has lived. It has sent him on a downward spiral. As Andree begins to get to know Lian and Lian becomes better acquainted with Andree, they both realize that something is missing. Their need for stability, understanding, peace of mind is found in each other. A story of beauty, redemption and love.

THE FRIENDSHIP PACT BY TARA TAYLOR QUINN Reviewed by: Liz Digman Genre: Mainstream Fiction Heat Level: Mild

This is one of those books that you stay up all night reading to see how it ends and at the same time is sad that it is over. Great story, fantastic characters.What I really loved is that all the people in the story were “real”, no one person was more perfect than the other & all their positives & negatives worked together to make a beautiful family & a wonderful book. Will be reading more of this author.

JUNE 2015

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RomCon’s Reader Rating program has joined with new partner, Nerdy Girl Book Reviews to provide you with the latest reviews on great books!

ASHES OF LIFE BY ERICA LUCKE DEAN Reviewed by: Jessyka Froliche Genre:Young Adult Heat Level: Mild

This was an amazing story. The character development was truly something and the storyline was well thought out and well written. This book deals with the loss and pain of losing someone you love through the eyes of two very different people. One from the child’s point of view of losing both parents and now having to deal with your dad’s new wife as your caregiver. Someone who you blame for everything and hate with a passion all on its own. And from the wife, who is trying to deal with the loss of her husband as well as the dad to her unborn child.

KISSING KATIE BY BABETTE JAMES Reviewed by: Deb Lyons Genre: Contemporary Romance Heat Level: Hot

I love reunion/second chance romance stories. But, this one is different, in that, the characters were childhood friends during summers at the beach. They didn’t know that when they met as adults there would be chemistry between them. This difference creates a whole new twist to the theme. Babette James wrote a wonderful story that would make a Perfect Beach Read. Grab a drink, pull up a chair in the sun and ENJOY!!

REMEMBER ME BY MAGGIE MAE GALLAGHER Reviewed by: Tina M Genre: Paranormal Romance Heat Level: Hot

This was my first time reading a book from this author. Madelyn and Bronx are a great couple but getting these two together is definitely going to take work. Bronx doesn’t trust women & Madelyn thinks she’s going to die on this case, so she isn’t telling him anything. But what I love the most is Ms. Gallagher doesn’t give you any hints as who the kidnapper/killer is. You have no idea. I was floored as to who it was. All in all, I loved this book. I will definitely buy more from this author.

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JUNE 2015

SUDDENLY A FATHER BY MICHELLE MAJOR Reviewed by: Debbie Countiss Genre: Contemporary Romance Heat Level: Mild

I absolutely loved this book! I would definitely recommend this book for others to read. In fact, I’m immediately looking to see what else this author has written and will be reading those as well. I stayed up all night reading this book. I absolutely loved it! It has everything that makes for a great read - a hot, hot, hot hero; a truly likable heroine; a wonderful romance with a bit of angst thrown in for good measure; an adorable child; humor; some sadness to the story and everything else in between. I really did not want this book to end. I loved it that much!

AERIAL MAGIC BY CARYN MOYA BLOCK Reviewed by: Gabrielle Fuehrer Genre: Paranormal Romance Heat Level: Hot

I really enjoyed reading it and not having to stop for awkward sentences, grammar, etc. I loved the main characters and really felt them come alive. Even some of the secondary characters were well pictured in my mind and the dialogue was witty and made me chuckle. I highly recommend the book if you like fantasy with some romance sprinkled in. I do wish the bad guy was more bad or had had more facetime because I just didn’t get the feeling of impending doom from him throughout. There were some nice twists I did not see coming. Would read another book from Caryn anyday!

CORA (THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO #3) BY CYNTHIA WOOLF Reviewed by: Nicole Laughman Genre: Historical Romance Heat Level: Mild

This was my favorite book of the San Francisco Brides books. I enjoyed the complexity of the story, with the love triangle between Cora, Harry, and Asa. The difference in the antagonist in this book compared to the previous two really helped with the love triangle and the overall story. Definitely an enjoyable read with a few exciting and scary surprises.

JUNE 2015

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RomCon’s Reader Rating program has joined with new partner, Nerdy Girl Book Reviews to provide you with the latest reviews on great books!

THE SOURCE OF MAGIC BY CATE ROWAN Reviewed by: Serena Akeroyd Genre: Fantasy/ Scifi Romance Heat Level: Hot

I always judge a book on how long it takes me to read. Regardless of size, the speed it takes me to read is a huge indication on how much I enjoy it. I read The Source of Magic in a couple of hours, even though it’s a relatively long book! I really enjoyed this story, in fact, I loved the whole parallel universe aspect of the tale. It’s like a mixture of SciFi and paranormal, which are two of my favourite genres. I loved the whole concept behind the world, and the whole baddy who could drain people of this world’s magic and use it for himself.

GOING ROGUE BY JESSICA JEFFERSON Reviewed by: Serena Akeroyd Genre: Historical Romance Heat Level: Mild

Going Rogue is a Regency tale that totally fits my tastes. I love Regency novels that are a bit a naughty, yet still retain the innocence of the Marriage Mart. I’m a bit difficult in that I love the pure, virgin heroines, but I do like it when temptation strikes and they fall off the bandwagon. Lol. In Going Rogue, I got that, which made me very happy. Definitely recommended.

CLAIMED BY TARAH SCOTT Reviewed by: Hollea Ryan Genre: Historical Romance Heat Level: Hot

Claimed by Tarah Scott was a page-turner. I enjoyed the story line and felt the characters were realistic. Supporting characters were also well developed and contributed to the overall story. Interestingly, for a romance, the main characters never spoke of love; however, their actions did reflect it. This is the first book by Tarah Scott that I have read and I look forward to reading more by her.

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JUNE 2015

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PARANORMAL: MARDI MAXWELL VALAN’S BONDMATE

CLICK HERE.

Valan Eirikson’s death is imminent unless he finds a compatible female to cool the mating fever that plagues the Zarronian warriors and is burning out of control in his body. Lia ad-San’s sire agreed to trade her to a Wrothian warrior she despises. Before she can escape she’s abducted by a fierce Zarronian warrior. Unaware that her sire caused the deaths of the Zarronian females, including Valan’s mother and twin sister, she reveals her identity and demands to be freed Enraged to be bonded to the daughter of his most hated enemy, Valan treats Lia as a prisoner rather than a beloved bondmate. When his warriors learn her identity they demand she be punished for her sire’s war crimes.

SCI-FI: MICHELE CALLAHAN THE DESTINY TRILOGY Imagine...A planet divided along two lines -- magic vs. technology. A society of women warriors who rule their continents with the most advanced weapons and technology in the quadrant. The Daughters of The House of Moons escaped from magical and sexual slavery over seven hundred years ago, but now produce Ozera Potent, a chemical weapon used suppress their own people, and to sexually enslave others. Imagine... a race of powerful sorcerers, who have had enough of the female Moon Warriors taking them hostage, stealing their seed, and then murdering their brothers. Let the battle begin.

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JUNE 2015

HISTORICAL: CYNTHIA WOOLF MAIL ORDER OUTLAW

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Ed Talbot isn’t husband material. He’s an outlaw, was forced into his father’s gang at the age of thirteen, and is wanted Dead or Alive in more than one territory. But now his father is dead, he hates the life, the blood, and his brother’s rages. When a stagecoach robbery goes awry, Ed ends up with a satchel full of charming letters from an enticing young miss. Unfortunately for Miss Lizzie Cobb, her betrothed is now dead, and Ed Talbot sees a way out. Isolated on her mother’s ranch just outside of Tombstone, Miss Lizzie Cobb doesn’t have the time or the means to find a respectable husband. As a half Apache woman in the Arizona Territory, being a mail order bride seems like the only solution to her problem until she realizes that San Francisco is too far away, and she’ll have to leave her vulnerable mother and baby brother behind. Her solution? Call off the wedding. When her groom shows up on her doorstep, she’s shocked.

CONTEMPORARY: KAREN DOCTER SATIN PLEASURES

Bustiers, Birds, and the Blues… Dan McDonald walked away from the American dream, a life full of money, glamorous women and power. Now nothing can lure him back into the corporate death trap. Except…. Dan’s scheming aunt snares him into opening a lingerie shop in Tess Emory’s shopping mall. Tess is everything Dan has vowed to avoid…sexy, smart, and obsessed with work. Tess is determined to make her life a success and right the wrongs of her past, no matter the cost. They’re both going to discover that true love breaks all their rules.

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JUNE 2015

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eve LANGLAIS EXCERPT: ADAM

“

How can you not have a television in your living room?” He couldn’t help blurting his incredulous query. “Because I don’t need one.” “Don’t need one?” He practically sputtered the words, his disbelief overwhelming. “But what do you do to entertain yourself? How do you play video games? Watch movies?” While it should be noted, he could technically do all these things wirelessly, there was a tactile enjoyment in flopping in a comfortable chair or couch and munching on dietary useless carbs while visually enjoying the antics of good cinema or challenging his dexterous skills as he manipulated a video game controller. “I work most of the time, and when I’m not working, or researching, I’m sleeping.” “Surely you do something for relaxation? Your entire life can’t revolve around the lab?” “I like my work, but if you must know, I do also like to read.” At his raised brow, she blushed, the pink in her cheeks enticing. “Non-fiction books usually about my work.”

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JUNE 2015

“But what about having fun?” As she shifted her stance, adopting a defensive posture, he realized how his accusation might sound. I just accused her of being boring. “Who says I’m not enjoying myself?” “Me. Don’t forget, I’ve been watching you for some time now, and with the exception of tonight, when the director left you that mysterious cooler, your heart rate has never spiked, your eyes haven’t shone with excitement, and I’ve certainly never heard you laugh.” “How would you know if my heart beats faster? For all you know, I’m in a constant adrenaline rush when I’m working. I’m a scientist. I get a kick out of discovery.” A snort escaped him. “What a load of crap.” Spine straight, she fixed him with a glare. “Would you mind not insulting me in my own home? What business is it of yours anyhow how I entertain myself?” “It’s none of my business. But I’d hate to think you’re missing out.” “Missing out? On what? Fictional creations about absurd situations?” “Forget television for a moment. What about the simple rush you get out of doing something for pleasure? Like hiking up a scenic mountain. Scuba diving and observing the beauty of nature on a coral reef.”

PARANORMAL Things that even he, with his analytical mind, could appreciate. “What about the enjoyment that comes out of sharing an adventure with a friend, or a lover…” Why was it, when it came to Doctor Laura, his mind always revolved back to more intimate matters? She drew him like no other. Her expression turned sad for a moment before tightening. “My work is important. Time enough later for me to indulge in frivolous activities.” “Or you could squeeze time in for them now.” “Says the guy assigned to watch over me. Don’t tell me you think us going out to paint the town red is a good idea, given the threat supposedly to CyberGlys employees.” “You don’t have to go out to have fun.” “So what do you propose we do? Play a board game? Cards?” “I’ve got something better than that.” Before she could question him some more, he showed her what he meant. Reeling her into his arms didn’t take any thought, or weighing of the pros and cons of his actions. He’d wanted to kiss her all evening.Weeks even. Pretty much from the first moment he’d begun observing her he’d wanted to see if her lush lips would prove pliant under his. They were. Soft and welcoming. For so long, he’d wanted to draw her against him and see how she molded to his frame. She fit perfectly, her lush curves a perfect complement to his hard body. He’d wanted to see if, beneath her prim and serious exterior, there lurked passion. By all the nanos in his body, she practically melted him with the heat she unleashed with just one long, and sensual, kiss. With his senses tingling, their lips separated, and they stared at each other, her bright brown eyes behind her glasses meeting his gaze with wonder. A wonder he understood. Her breath, already coming faster, brushed warmly against him. The moment stretched, fraught with anticipation and desire. The cognitive part of his brain suggested he step away. Getting involved with the doctor, however pleasurable, wasn’t part of his mission. It could prove a danger, especially given her scientific background. What if she recognized what he was? She could jeopardize more than his life. It was an unacceptable risk. And yet…

The man within said fuck it. He crushed her to him, his arms wrapping around her tight, his mouth claiming hers with intensity and determination. She will know excitement. Already her heart raced. It pounded, the blood in her coursing frantically as it brought all of her nerves alive. At the same time, her body went limp in his arms, a languorous arousal weakening her muscles. But she needn’t fear falling. I have her, and I’m not letting go. I will show her pleasure. With me. And only me. He could no more help the possessive feelings than he could resist her allure. Her desire for him rose in a musky perfume, the layers of clothes separating them, unable to hide the evidence, not with his enhanced senses. It served only to heighten his arousal. Hard. Harder than the steel they’d strengthened his bones with. Harder than the locks on the firewalls guarding his electronic secrets. So hard…it hurt? Pain wasn’t something he needed to feel unless he chose to, yet with her, he let the agony of wanting her and holding back fill him. The wild urgency was intoxicating. Not ruled by programming or rational thought, he just felt. Felt on a level he’d not imagined. It made him forget where he was, who he was, and the danger his very existence posed. But lucky for them both, he was capable of faster-than-human reaction because, when the window shattered, he knew enough to spin his body and present his back in the split second before the deadly shards blasted them. But more ominous than the deadly rain of glass was the thump and ticking of the metallic ball with its flashing red warning. A bomb. Ah, hell.

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laverne THOMPSON CHARACTER INTERVIEW: THAYLA

y name is Thalya. I was born at the birthplace of time. I have no clear memory of my beginning only that I was and I am. I am a soulless one. My kind have no soul thus feel no emotion. Not hate not love nor even heat or cold. But we do have a driving need to feel. I seek above all else this compulsion to fill that void deep inside where a soul should reside with emotion. For when I do, for a brief moment, I can feel what another does. I travel the earth searching for depression, my emotion of choice. With but a kiss I drain depression from unsuspecting humans. But I do not kill them or harm them in any way. There is no need. However, some soulless choose to feed off other types of energies, such as fear, even death and in other less benign ways. They kill those they feed from. I am not one such. But there are humans who are aware of our existence and they hunt us…all of my kind. Not differentiating from those who kill and those who don’t. And they know how to destroy us. So while I sate my blinding hunger it is never quite satisfied…until Samuel. The leader of those who hunt my kind. For the first time in my consciousness I feel when I am with him, my own emotions not just stolen from him. So I cannot stay away. Even when it means his death or my own.

EXCERPT: ANGEL RISING REDEMPTION

he hotel where she lived also housed private residences, but a few guests milled around the lobby for the evening. Just enough people around with some serious issues to make her grin and tremble within her ankle-length leather coat. “Delicious,” she purred. Red knee high stiletto boots clicked as she crossed the polished marble floor. She ignored the appreciative looks of the men and women as she glided among them, intentionally projecting a do

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not approach compulsion. Look but don’t touch, unless she was the one doing the touching. The doorman opened the door for her and smiled. “Good evening. Cold one tonight.” Bundled in layers and with a wool cap on his head, he stood directly beneath a heating vent to stay warm. He always spoke. She rarely did and tonight, she didn’t. She flashed him some teeth in the semblance of a smile. At least she hoped it looked like a smile and not a grimace. Happiness. It rolled off him in waves. She’d never tried draining that emotion from her providers, although over the centuries she’d met a few of her kind who preferred it. Anything to fill the void in the soulless place. But stealing someone else’s happiness always seemed unnecessary to her. Depression worked just fine. Out on the sidewalk, the scent hit her again. Like a shining point of light in dark woods, the depressed man she’d sensed beckoned her to follow him. After crossing the street, Thalya entered the park. It didn’t take long to find him. He sat on a bench at the other end of the park, leaning over with his head in his hands. She wouldn’t be able to read his thoughts until she actually touched him. No matter, she sensed his depression. She sat on the bench next to him; he didn’t even bother to look up.Thalya placed her hand on his shoulder and her inner feminine muscles contracted to the point, she almost had an orgasm. Depression, and so potent. “Mmm, good,” she murmured. At her touch, he raised red-rimmed eyes in her direction. Finally, she had his attention. He pulled back slightly, some form of self-preservation kicking in. “Who—are you?” “Shhh. It will be all right. I promise,” she whispered. The man sat up and she wrapped her arms around him. Unable to help himself, he let her.

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Author Bio LaVerne Thompson Paranormal Author

aVerne Thompson is an award winning, best-selling, multipublished author, an avid reader and a writer of contemporary, fantasy, and sci/fi sensual romances. She also writes romantic suspense and new adult romance under the pen name Ursula Sinclair. She is currently working on several projects. Both of her daughters are now away at college. However, she and her husband donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the term empty nester. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s added a cat to the household to keep the dog of the house company. Hopefully writing will keep her sane.

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GENERAL EVENT SCHEDULE READER WEEKEND & WRITERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S UNIVERSITY All times and events are subject to change without notice at any time.

Thursday, September 24 7:00pm - 9:00pm Early Registration Wine & Witches Welcome Event For early bird fans: Join Suza Kates and Misha McKenzie for a fun filled wine tasting at Bonaquisti Urban Winery. A shuttle bus will be provided for readers. This is a free event, but limited to 60. *This event is for Readers/Fans only. 7:30pm - 9:00pm Informal Author Social Friday, September 25 7:30am Registration Opens 9:00am - 10:15am Intimate Chat - Dianna Love Intimate Chat - Eve Langlais University- Taxes For Writers with Margaret Taylor This workshop will give an overview of Taxes as they relate to Authors. Topics covered will include the differences between a Corporation, an LLC, a Partnership, a Sole Proprietorship and what entity may be best for an Author; what types of industry specific expenses are deductible along with other topics geared toward helping Authors understand Taxes and their responsibilities. University- DPI Is Not A Secret Government Agency! with David Gregg Enhance working with graphics designers and other media. Focusing on: Basic formats, specifications (Web, Print) and terms. General overview graphics software programs used by most designers. Understanding the basics of statement of work or design briefs.

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Pictionary® with your favorite authors Play the classic drawing game with romance clues with your favorite authors! Whispers Down The Lane Using book tag lines or quotes, one person will whisper a message to another and pass it down the lane. Players will break into author led teams and each team will reveal its whisper at the end of each round. Prizes offered to winning teams! 10:30am - 11:45pm Intimate Chat - Rebecca Zanetti Intimate Chat - S.E. Smith Password with Kristin Painter and fellow authors Lots of fun will be had as reader teams try to guess a list of romance related words. Based on the game show Password. Prizes will be given out to the top three teams! University - Editing to Get Noticed/The Art of Hooking Your Reader with Clean Teen Publishing As an acquiring editor, there are many common mistakes that will make me reject a submission. This class will teach the four fundamentals of pre-submission editing. Hooks, scene breaks, the art of back story and boiling your novel down into a concise, intriguing paragraph will all be discussed. Chat Panel #1 - Nancy Naigle, Sharon Hamilton, Deborah Bladon, Debra Holland, Carolyn Brown 11:45pm - 1:15pm Lunch Break - Boxed lunch provided by RomCon® 1:15pm - 2:30pm Intimate Chat - Debra Holland Intimate Chat - Sharon Hamilton University- Editing with Meg Jacobs Aspiring and new authors will learn what it means to “Trim the Fat” from the initial drafts. Authors will learn the importance of the editing process and letting it go to outside editors in order to make it the best manuscript possible.The session will also include many activities to allow authors to face their fears about editing and ensure their writing is purposeful and their stories are told with fidelity. Participants will be given a number of resources to take away for immediate use in all current and future projects, including the purpose and necessity for beta readers and how to use them most effectively.

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Bad Boy Roulette with Diana J. Reed and fellow authors Oh how we love our bad boys! They break rules & hearts, yet the best romances dish up hot, transgressive heroes who have secret hearts of gold--but only for the RIGHT woman. In this fun reader workshop, we’ll read snippets of some of the hottest sociopaths in romance fiction & then play a game of Bad Boy Roulette where we spin the wheel & find out what REALLY happens to this relationship in the end. Will our heroine find herself in sexual ecstasy or six feet under? Spin the wheel with Mr. Danger & find out! Agents Of Doom with Maggie Mae Gallagher Hail Agents of Doom! In this epic Superhero Battle, our authors have been infected with alien DNA, some are working to save our galaxy and some are out to rule it. In this interactive, family-fued style trivia game, you will aid your Agent in a quest to save the galaxy or destroy it. Are you a superhero or a supervillain? 2:45pm - 4:00pm Intimate Chat - Kallypso Masters Intimate Chat - Red Phoenix Soul Deep with Gina Ardito Method acting, developed by Academy Award® winner, Lee Strasberg, combines a series of exercises with relaxation and observation techniques to create a deeper understanding of characterization. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll employ those same ideals, used by some of the world’s greatest actors and actresses, to really know our characters, enhancing show vs. tell, and deepening point-of-view. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Beta, Alpha, and Alpha-hole Heroes with NYT Bestseller Julie Ann Walker and fellow authors Heroes: Authors love to write them; fans love to read them. But which are the BEST? Two award-winning and bestselling authors discuss the different types of heroes - beta, alpha, and alpha-hole - and which genres lend themselves to one type of hero or another. Readers will have the opportunity to judge a hero by his book cover with fun prizes going to winners! Q&A. Charades with your favorite authors Join your author hosts in this outrageous and fun word guessing game! Act out the book related clues and help your team win. Clues will be taken from the romance genre. Lots of prizes and laughter! 4:15pm - 5:30pm Co-Writing with Yelena Casale & Tina Moss Co-writing can be a tempting idea for both newbie and seasoned writers. The reasons are wide and varied – from dipping one’s toes into the writing world with a partner by their side, to putting two great minds together to see what may come of it, to just exploring a different facet of the writing experience. Yet, how does one know if co-writing will work for them? How do they find the right partner for collaboration? What is the process for co-writing? This workshop will explore all phases of writing with a partner, from the inception of the idea to the steps to make it a fluid and seamless process. It will look at various methods that writers can adopt for themselves, as no one method works for all. It’ll take an intimate look at the art of co-writing, as well as the business aspects, such as promotion and the sharing of royalties. 26

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Speed Date An Author Spend two minutes meeting fantastic authors! 5:45pm - 7:00pm Cocktail Party hosted by NYT bestsellers S.E. Smith & Eve Langlais 7:15pm - 8:45pm 3rd Annual Comedy Improv Join the Stick Horses In Pants Comedy Improv Troupe for a “Who’s Line Is It Anyway” style of improvisation with a wild romance twist. 9pm - 11pm Sweet and Sassy Bingo with Pat Simmons and Lisa Watson Enjoy an evening with friends in fun and games on the ‘sweeter’ side. Rated G! Bachelorette Party V Join bestselling Erotic Authors in the annual bachelorette style event with new fun and games. Sponsored by Pure Romance who will give away over $700 worth of passionate play things.... (Cash Bar available at both events) Saturday, September 26 8:30am - 9:30am Intimate Chat - Caridad Pineiro Intimate Chat - Tiffany Snow University - Indy Panel with JM Madden, Red Phoenix & Kallypso Masters University- Beat Sheet Writing with Bethany Burke of Blushing Books Plotter or pantser? Rigid outline or seat of the pants? There IS a “middle road”: the beat sheet. Virtually all fiction - whether screenplays or novels - hits certain story beats at certain intervals in the story. Based on the traditional three-act structure, these turning points (or beats) are the building blocks of your story. Hit them, and your story “works.” Miss them, and your story will not feel right to the readers, even if the reasons are unclear. This workshop presents these beats using an easy to follow, interactive spreadsheet, which allows authors to gauge their beats based on story length, and define each beat with just one or two sentences.

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Catchphrase with Dianna Love and fellow authors Game will be played in author led teams. Your goal? Get your team to say the word or phrase on your clue card before time runs out. Fun and prizes! 9:45am - 10:45am Intimate Chat - Julie Ann Walker Intimate Chat - Deborah Bladon Introduction to e-Book Self Publishing with Jim Azevedo from Smashwords A discussion of trends that are impacting the publishing industry, the exciting advantages Indies have over their traditionally published peers, and a checklist of basics authors need to know when publishing an ebook like formatting, conversion, cover design, ISBN’s, copyrights and distribution. Series Writing with NYT Bestseller Jodi Thomas An amazing Q & A session with Jodi Thomas to learn the in’s and out’s of series writing. Learn from the best! Puzzlemania with S.E. Smith, Eve Langlais and fellow authors Join authors and other readers in a race to put book cover puzzles together. 11:00am - 1:30pm Reader Luncheon- Keynote speaker: NYT Bestseller Jodi Thomas Sit with your favorite author for an amazing luncheon with keynote speaker Jodi Thomas. Chances to win door prizes and raffles! 1:30pm - 3:00pm Intimate Chat - Carolyn Brown Intimate Chat - Jodi Thomas Chat Panel #2 - Eve Langlais, Kallypso Masters, Julie Ann Walker, Dianna Love, S.E. Smith, Rebecca Zanetti FEEL THE FIGHT SCENE!!! with 7th degree black belt Thomas Casale Understanding the feelings and texture of actual street combat through the eyes of raw frightening politically incorrect reality. Writing concepts will include the following: 1) Understanding the internal thoughts and feelings of champions & losers 2) Understanding the internal thoughts and feelings of aggressors & victims 3) Understanding the mechanics of escalation of daily street violence & actual mortal combat

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Lesson and Partner Exercises: 1) Eye to eye, no contact, partner exercise to examine the aforementioned writing concepts 2) Lesson: How to block, punch and kick 2) Self defense exercise playful safe contact with partner THIS IS A NO CONTACT, NO IMPACT CLASS! Sit back and have fun! 3:30pm - 5:30pm Author Signing 5:30pm - 7:00pm Cocktail Hour & Dinner Break 7:30pm - 11:30pm WILD WEST COWBOY PARTY Join Cynthia Woolf, Sylvia McDaniel and fellow authors for a wild west party-- learn to line dance with a cowboy! (Cash bar) Sunday, September 27 9:00am - 11:00pm Reader Roundtable The tables are turned! Authors will submit questions in advance what you (Reader!) want in your books. Reader led event. Lots of free books!

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RomCon covers are NYT, USA Today & #1 Amazon Bestsellers!

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PRE-MADE BOOK COVERS $125 e-Book $175 e-Book & Print No two covers alike. No repeats. No maximum downloads. Click a cover to see it in the store!

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Erotic

JUNE 2015

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Erotic Erotic

vanessa VALE EXCERPT: THEIR KIDNAPPED BRIDE

“

You are a virgin,” she stated. I blushed furiously, my cheeks hot. “Yes, I can see by your reaction to that word alone that you are,” she replied, going over to her desk, sitting down at the chair beside it. Her back was straight and she adjusted her full skirts. She might be a Madame, but she had the mannerisms of a lady. I looked down at the pale blue morning dress I’d donned just this morning. I thought back, realizing Thomas must have laced my coffee with the laudanum. I took it black, so the bitter taste would have been well masked.The last I remember was eating a piece of toast with marmalade in the dining room. “I suppose virginity is quite a commodity in your line of work. You are a Madame, are you not?” I countered, wanting to confirm her profession. I doubted she arranged for governesses. She nodded once. “I am. Unlike your Mr. James, I offer you two choices.” I arched a brow as I waited to hear them. My options, which I doubted were going to be to my liking, might be better heard sitting down, so I returned to sit at the end of the velvet covered chaise on which I awoke. “You may work here to pay off your debt. As you are innocent, you will be quite popular, I assure you.You are also quite lovely, which will make your long-term appeal guaranteed. This is the finest brothel between Kansas City and San Francisco and we cater to more unusual requests. The other girls will teach you all that you need to know above and beyond basic fucking with regards to meeting the men’s needs.” My mouth fell open at her base language, but I supposed it was relevant to her profession and part of her everyday conversation. I glanced down at my hands in my lap trying to collect my thoughts. A dull throb filled my head, the lingering after effects of Thomas’s deviousness, it made clear thinking difficult. “And...the other choice?” “You can pay off your debt in one evening. Tonight, in fact.”

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This sounded appealing, but I knew there would be a high personal price. She might be selling carnal pleasures, but this was all business. “Oh?” I queried, very nervous about what she would say. “A marriage auction.”

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CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary

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CONTEMPORARY

bonnie PHELPS MEET JASON – THE MAN BEHIND THE MOVIE STAR

ason is the kind of man that makes women drool as they pour over the latest tabloids to find out what he’s up to. In “Julia’s Star” the lifestyles of the rich and famous meet small-town girl. In case you’re wondering, culture shock sets in as the two work to find a way to meld their two worlds into one satisfying whole. Thankfully, Jason MacKenzie, is a man of many layers – sex appeal by the boat load, money and fame galore but also a soft spot for a sexy widow and her three amazing children who live in rural California. Instead of me extoling his virtues, let’s let Jason answer some of our questions in his own words: Age: 38 – old enough to have learned the hard way it’s a bad idea to hook up with a woman who is not right for me. Physical Description: A woman’s pirate-fantasy come to life. Think Errol Flynn only better looking, my face more chiseled and hot, six-pack abs – so far women haven’t had any complaints about my appearance. People’s First Impression of You: Playboy all the way and out of their league – but for the life of me I can’t figure out why. Guys want to be me and women throw themselves at me. I’m just a man who puts his pants on one leg at a time like everyone else. Likes: I love my job, can’t wait for the next great script, spending time with my family – even my quirky Mom who can’t understand why I’m not married and giving her grandchildren – and yes someday I’d like to give her those grandkids. Oh, and before I forget, I love the fact that I can pick and choose my parts now that I’m considered a ‘somebody.’ Dislikes: People who pretend they like me but really want to be with me so I can do something for them. I hate being used. Unfortunately it goes with the territory. I’ve learned to live with it and the suspicion about people’s motives that creates. Relationship Status: Divorced – man that took me down a few notches. Apparently I’m not every woman’s dream. The experience made me cautious. I definitely

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plan to look before I leap the next time – and I’m sure there will be a next time, especially after I met that luscious, adorable, little redhead the other day. Best Memory to date: The day I got my first acting job. What a trip that was! It was just a bit part but it was my chance to prove I had what it takes to be a star. Of course, in those days, I thought it was all about being a star, hitting the big time. Luckily my family and my best friend, Pete, never let my head get too big and kept me grounded. Worst Memory: The day I realized that I was hurting Barbara, my ex, and knew she could never live in my world and I couldn’t live in hers. I don’t like failing and you can’t fail bigger than having your marriage end in divorce. I believe in ‘till death do us part’ and I really messed it up. Typical Friday Night: Attending a charity or industry function with a gorgeous woman on my arm – maybe on each arm since I need to keep up appearances. But if you really want the truth, I prefer a quiet evening at home with a few friends – no fans, no paparazzi – just being a regular guy. Drink of Choice: Tequila, straight up – no salt, no lime but I tend to drink wine when I’m with the ladies. Favorite Food: I was born and raised in Boston so I still crave a steaming bowl of clam chowder and if I’m anywhere near fresh-cooked fish & chips, I’m in heaven. Favorite Song: I know this is going to surprise people but I like jazz. Put on a Miles Davis or John Coltrane album and let me soar. Although I can also get lost listening to Billie Holiday or Sarah Vaughn. Your first impression of Julia: I think what I said when I first met Julia sums it up best: “Lady, if I were wearing socks, you would have just knocked them right off.” He ended with a formal bow, bringing her hand to his lips for a soft, brushing kiss. On impulse, he reached for one of the soft, auburn strands that caught the fire of the sun as she moved from the shade of the trees. “Spun gold,” he murmured softly.

CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY

You chug along life’s highway, minding your own business, and all of a sudden - wham - something smacks you upside the head. For smart and sassy widow, Julia Marlowe, it was something as simple as a flat tire that landed her squarely in the path of swashbuckling film star, Jason MacKenzie, who slams into her life with the force of an 18-wheeler. She doesn’t want to like the guy.The lifestyle he represents stands contrary to everything she believes in. He has that Hollywood ‘lovethem-and-leave-them’ attitude written all over him – but despite her best intentions, he has a way of getting under her skin. Besides, her kids like him and so far he hasn’t flinched at tarantulas, errant goats, space aliens and the chaos an active household creates. Then again, there is the little matter of his ex-wife, Barbara, who clings to Jason like plastic wrap on steroids. Further complicating the situation is the 200 mile distance between the places they call home. She has no desire to live in his world but can he possibly live the country life after the bright lights of the big city? Can she trust a man who only has to smile to make millions of women’s hearts go pitter-pat to give her the happily ever after ending she seeks?

EXCERPT FROM JULIA’S STAR

ueled by inquisitiveness, another of those overwhelming, though not well considered, impulses lured Julia into the lion’s den. If she’d remembered her Sunday School training, she would have recalled what happened to people who wander into the arena. What do world famous sex symbols sleep on? Satin? Silk? A quick flick of the wrist. That’s all it will take to find out. And that’s where he found her, bedspread tucked back. “Want to take it for a test spin?” His deep chuckle rumbled nearby, low and husky. “That’s the luxury model you’re looking at there.” Oh, no. She’d done it again. Put herself smack dab in the middle of embarrassment central. Julia had always considered herself to be a reasonably competent individual. What did he do to her to make her behave this way? Oh well, as long as he thought she was a complete dither anyway. “Cotton? Plain old white cotton? Not even a fancy pattern? Talk about destroying a woman’s

fantasies.” She sighed melodramatically then grinned up at him impishly. “You were expecting something more exotic?” The fire in his eyes plus the stillness that settled on his soul took her smile and breath away. The steps he took to close the distance between them were slow . . . deliberate. “With this particular model it’s not the interior that makes it so desirable, it’s the options that come with it.” In her heart she knew Jason’s languid pace was meant to give her time to pull the plug on their escalating desires. But she couldn’t . . . move . . . breathe . . . waiting for his first electric touch, that mind-blowing kiss. Like an animal hypnotized by the headlights of an oncoming car, she froze. Strong hands came to rest on her arms. Grasping her gently. “And are you an option?” she whispered. “Yes.” The combination of vulnerability and reverence in his voice did it. The smoky depths of his deep chocolate eyes told the story of his need while the almost imperceptible tremor in his hand told of his

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CONTEMPORARY uncertainty. He pulled the ribbon from her hair. Oh, so . . . slowly. Eyes met and sighs mingled. Rational thought evaporated. They each knew the moment had arrived; the one that had been inevitable since their first meeting. This is what destiny had planned for them. Neither wanted to deny the power of their attraction any longer. He enfolded her in his embrace, displaying an amazing gentleness for a man his size. He could snap her like a twig yet he handled her as though she were a hummingbirdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s egg; small, fragile, a special gift wrapped in natural beauty. Lips touched. This was a time for exploring. Their previous forays into sensual delight . . . beginnings, riddled with barely restrained passion. Now lips and hands demanded an intimate knowledge of every inch of the other. Tentative fingertips brushed eyes, temples, ears, nape, jaw, the edge of the mouth as eager kisses followed suit. He tasted, she tasted . . . wonderful. She, soft as an orchid petal; he, with 5:00 shadow, coarse, his muscles hard. But somehow the two textures were meant to be together. The softer one to coax tenderness from the unrelenting one. The rough to abrade passion from the softer. She smelled fresh and floral. He was all male muskiness. Blending. Two bodies like hot wax, contours melting together for a perfect fit, becoming the mirror image of the other. Hands intertwining in hair. Gentle touchesâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Author Bio Bonnie Phelps

Contemporary Author

umor has it that Bonnie began telling stories at a very early age. Photos exist of the author toddling around the corner of the house covered in mud babbling about magic rabbits leading her through the garden. Her parents were amused only adding fuel to the fire of her passion for writing. From then on, her active imagination continued to churn out plots and character sketches always wondering how different people would behave in similar situations. People are endlessly fascinating and stories are everywhere. She loves exploring, rearranging and weaving her narratives throughout her charactersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives. Bonnie lives in Northern California with her husband.

CONTEMPORARY

lucy MONROE EXCERPT: WILD HEAT

e teased at the seam of her mouth with the tip of his tongue and she brazenly parted her lips to give him entrance. He swept inside, taking possession and teasing her with the need for more at the same time. He kept the caress of his tongue light, barely there. She pressed up against him, wanting more contact, but he dropped one hand to her hip and held her in place. Frustration overrode pleasure and she pulled away from the kiss. “Why are you teasing me?” “You want more, wildcat?” “Yes.” He dropped both hands away from her and stepped back, his expression firm. “Eat the lunch I make you.” “You want me to eat?” She didn’t understand. “That’s the deal, Kitty. You eat and I’ll rock your world.” He was aroused, she could see the impressive evidence pushing against the front of his jeans. So, why was he talking about eating? Noticing where she was looking, he gave her a feral smile. “Like what you see?” “Yes.” There was no point trying to deny it. Not to him and not to herself. “I do too.” “Oh.” She wasn’t sure why those words were so shocking. She knew he was turned on, but the idea she had done that? Was a new concept for her. At least lately. She’d been told countless times how pretty she was as a teenager and young adult, but it had been a long time since those days. His claim that he liked how she looked impacted her deeply, warmth suffusing her physically and emotionally. He tucked his thumbs in the front pocket of his jeans, outlining his obvious erection with this hands. “You want some of this?” She nodded, her mouth too dry for speech. 44

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“Eat lunch.” Sparks of desire traveled down her body, right to her core, and made her legs squeeze together to try to control the overwhelming sensation. He wasn’t just offering her a few kisses, he was offering sex. Real sex. The stuff he said she was too damaged for. She didn’t know what had changed his mind, but she wasn’t about to ask. Not beforehand anyway. She still didn’t understand why he was linking sex and her having lunch, but Caitlin wasn’t an idiot. If eating would get her access to Tack’s body and his big hands on her again, she would eat. The nerves and nausea that had plagued her earlier was gone too, making the inner declaration an easy one to make. “Okay,” she agreed. His smile was both pleased and just a little smug. “Sit over there.” He pointed to one of the two barhigh chairs on the side of the island. She did as instructed, her stomach clenching with unusual, but welcome hunger. “What are you feeding me?” “Leftovers. I’ve got chicken and vegetable rice from last night.” He pulled a couple of containers out of the refrigerator, and then poured a glass of what looked like the chocolate drink he’d given her on the hike. He handed it to her. “Drink up.” While he plated and microwaved the food, she sipped at the chocolaty goodness. “You sure you won’t give me this recipe?” He just gave her a look she’d known well a long time ago. The one that said yeah, not in this lifetime. “Do you cook like that for yourself all the time?” He shrugged. “I eat at the Homestead several nights a week with the family.” Just like the Grants, the MacKinnon’s had built their current large dwelling on their original homestead. It always passed down to the eldest son in the family and was the traditional gathering place for the entire

CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY MacKinnon clan living in, or near Cailkirn. “But yeah, I like to cook. It’s relaxing. I usually make enough for two meals anyway, so it’s not so much effort for one person.” “Was that supposed to be your dinner tonight?” she asked, nodding her head toward the microwave that had just beeped. “Nope. We’re eating with the family tonight, remember?” When he put the plate in front of her, there was a chicken breast and at least a cup of the rice-vegetable mixture. Her heart sank. Even hungry, there was no way she could finish that amount of food. “This is too much.” “So, do your thing. Divide it in half.” It didn’t surprise her that he’d noticed her ritual. Tack always saw what others didn’t. His easy acceptance of it was a little startling, however. “You don’t mind?” “No.” He winked at her. “I’m not going to withhold sex if you eat half of what I served you.” She nodded, as if she understood, but really? She didn’t. This whole sex-for-food thing was still proving problematic to her sense of logic. However, the ritual was something she was very familiar with. So, it should just be a matter of doing what she’d done hundreds of times before, but she couldn’t seem to act on what her brain was telling her to do. She was reeling from his acceptance. She was used to odd looks, even from her aunts, but Tack acted like it was perfectly normal for a woman to meticulously separate her food and only eat half.

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In the quaint little town of Cailkirn, Alaska, it’s impossible to keep a secret, especially one as juicy as the unexpected return of Kitty Grant.Tack MacKinnon remembers her wild red curls and even wilder spirit-and still feels the sting from when she shattered his heart in college. But there’s a pain in Kitty’s gorgeous eyes that guts him to the core and Tack is determined to do whatever it takes to see the woman he still loves smile againeven if it means taking on her demons as his own. After fleeing an abusive ex-husband, Kitty decides that the best way to heal her broken heart is to come back home. But she gets a whole new shock when she sees how undeniably sexy Tack has become. More handsome, more muscular, more charming-more everything-he’s impossible to resist. Before she knows it, they’re reigniting sparks that could set the whole state of Alaska on fire. Yet trust doesn’t come easy to Kitty anymore, and as things heat up between her and Tack, she can’t help but wonder if one of them is going to get burned . . . JUNE 20152014 MAY/JUNE

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ROMCON 2015- READER WEEKEND Don't Miss Out! Register Today September 25-27, 2015 Denver, Colorado The Renaissance Hotel 3801 Quebec Street Denver, CO 80207

3 days you won't forget...

• 60+ Authors of all genres of romanceContemporary, Erotic, Historical, Inspirational, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, & Suspense • 20 Author-led games and eventsInteract and play with awesome authors! • University events to learn about writing & publishing • 15 Intimate Chats- Ask those burning questions! • 4 After Hours events- Learn to line dance at Wild West Night, Sweet Friday Night, Bachelorette Party, and Comedy Show! • Chat Panels • 1 Epic Author Signing- Perfect Fan Girl Time • 1 Amazing Reader Appreciation Luncheon- Sit with your favorite author, listen to great speakers, and win one of their amazing gift baskets • Incredible vendors with lots of great stuff • Tons of author prizes, gift baskets, raffles and free books • Support Breast Cancer Research with our annual raffle

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Saturday Luncheon SpeakerNew York Times & USA Today Bestseller Jodi Thomas Jodi Thomas has published over 30 books in both the historical romance and contemporary genres, the majority of which are set in her home state of Texas. Publishers Weekly calls her novels “Distinctive...Memorable,” and that in her stories “[tension] rides high, mixed with humor and kisses more passionate than most full-on love scenes.” In 2006, Romance Writers of America (RITA) inducted Thomas into the RWA Hall of Fame for winning her third RITA for THE TEXAN’S REWARD. She also received the National Readers’ Choice Award in 2009 for TWISTED CREEK (2008) and TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN (2008). While continuing to work as a novelist, Thomas also functions as Writer in Residence at the West Texas A&M University campus, where she inspires students and alumni in their own writing pursuits.

Historical

jade LEE BEHIND THE SCENES STORY – 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE BY JADE LEE

long while ago, I was stuck in a creative black hole. Writing sucked, I had no new ideas, my career was over, I was fat and pimply and blah blah blah. In a fit of despair, I decided that I would go back to physical exercise to help myself out. Guess what I did. A. Bought a treaddesk (desk perched over a walking treadmill) and walked the equivalent of three times around the earth. B. Bought an elliptical machine (halfway between a treadmill and a stair stepper.You step in an ellipse.) Then I ate a cheesecake because I couldn’t handle walking in an ellipse. C. Started jogging and set myself on fire from my thighs rubbing together. D. Went back to racquetball and signed up for the US Open. Answer: D. Yes, I play a lot of racquetball and I’m pretty good at it. In fact, a long time ago I was a pro racquetball player. I thought I’d reclaim my old glory by competing again in my age division. But for those who guessed one of the others, I do have a treaddesk. In fact, I’m walking and writing on it now. And I’m only a little bloody from falling off it. My husband bought the elliptical which he uses while watching the news. I eat cheesecake while watching him. And jogging? That’s just crazy talk! How did it go? A. I won, got onto the US Racquetball team, and am now buried in gold medals! B. I was laughed off the court and had to hide in shame. C. I watched a man have a heart attack on the court and decided some things aren’t worth the risk. Even racquetball glory. D. I was doing fine until my knees blew in my secondto-last match. 50

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Answer: D. I won a few matches (yeah), but each day was harder and harder as my knees started locking up. Good thing there were two Ace cold packs given to every player in the welcome bag. Sadly, no amount of ibuprofen or ice could have saved me by day 4. My knees had swollen up too much. I did not watch a man have a heart attack. Gah! Hopefully this has never, ever happened on the court. The end result? I dropped out of the tournament. Hard to play when you can’t even walk. Sobbed the night through, and then grabbed my iPad in the morning because I couldn’t walk to do anything else. Even go to the bathroom. In my email was a challenge from my brilliant editor Deb Werksman to write anything that came into my head. Six different first chapters of absolutely anything so long as the hero and heroine met on the first page. And the result? A. Ghost, gypsies, and Firefly. It’s a wild, wonderful universe. B. Absolutely nothing. I played Plants vs. Zombies all morning long. C. I wrote the first chapter of 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake D. I wrote a long memoir about an ageing athlete who goes to bed sobbing and then is magically healed by a hot alien from another planet. Except in this version, the heroine (who might have been named Jade) is not married. Answer: C Actually what I wrote was a darker, more depressed version of the opening chapter, but with revision and the ability to walk came a new sense of humor. As I continued to write this book, the laughter just kept coming. I was joyous in this book–not at all what I could have expected at the time–and I truly love, love, love the result. 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake is the funniest thing I’ve ever written. And it’s sexy. (Gotta say that it’s sexy because, you know, it’s me. I write hot!)

Historical Historical 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE TEASER EXCERPT

fter ten more agonizing minutes of fighting, Mellie began to relax. It’s not that she was enjoying the display like so many of the crowd, but she understood finally what Trevor had been trying to tell her. It was boys fighting in the school yard. Bloody and violent, to be sure, especially since they were grown men. But no one was likely to die. Which is when Trevor stepped in a hole. He cried out in surprise and pain.Thank God he was wearing boots, otherwise his leg might have snapped in two. As it was, he tumbled down into the mud and Ronnie clearly meant to finish the fight. But he hadn’t reckoned on Melinda. She’d been an unwilling participant in this whole disgusting display. Well, if her cousin wanted a Cheltenham tragedy, she would bloody well give him one. She surged forward. “Stop it! Ronnie, stop it now!” And when he didn’t hear her, she said the words she’d never thought she’d utter in her entire life. “My love!” That got his attention. “Mellie!” She flung herself forward, sliding in the mud to stop right beside Trevor’s head. Ronnie reached for her, but she pushed him away as she wrapped herself around the fallen lord. “My love, are you alive? Oh God, someone fetch a doctor!” Trevor’s face was a battered mess, but not so unrecognizable that she didn’t see the gleam of appreciation in his eyes or the mischievous smile that pulled at his swollen lip. “Are you an angel?” he asked. “Have I died?” The man was lying in the mud, his ankle nearly snapped in half. His face oozed from a myriad of cuts, and yet he still had the wherewithall to give the crowd a good show. It was enough to make her contemplate dropping him in the mud. Meanwhile, Ronnie just stood there poised, his fist still raised as he gaped. “I won. This was an affaire d’honor.” “Congratulations,” she mocked. “You beat a man half your weight.” “I’m not that small,” muttered Trevor. “Shut up. I’m making a point.” Then she turned her attention to her cousin. “You were right, Ronnie. You have made everything clear. I could never love a brute like you. I love Trevor.” “Since when?”

Mellie Smithson has a plan… Mellie Smithson is trapped in the country with no suitors and no prospects on the horizon except, perhaps, the exasperating—although admittedly handsome—guest of her father. Unwilling to settle, Mellie will do anything to escape to London... Trevor Anaedsley has a problem… Trevor Anaedsley’s grandfather has cut off his funds until he gets engaged. Beset by creditors, Trevor escapes to the country—ostensibly to visit his old tutor Mr. Smithson—where he meets Smithson’s lovely daughter Mellie. The obvious solution is suddenly before him—but will this fake engagement go as Trevor and Mellie plan? Or will they find that even the best laid plans often go awry?

JUNE 2015

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Historical Since never. She had a thorough disgust of them both. Especially as Trevor began to speak in a quavering voice. “Oh, to finally hear those words, now in the moments before I expire. Kiss me, my love. Mayhap your love will keep me tethered to this mortal coil.” “I will not,” she said between clenched teeth. He pitched his voice to a plaintive wail. “Then I shall die for sure!” Damnation on all bloody, arrogant, ridiculous men! One glance about her showed that the crowd was hanging on his every word. She didn’t really care until she looked at Ronnie’s face. He wasn’t stupid. He could see that Trevor wasn’t really hurt. It wouldn’t take him long to remember that she’d never spoken of Trevor with anything but disdain.And from there it was a small step to realizing that this entire display was a sham. So she had to do something quickly. Something that he’d never forget, even if he did suspect the lie. She kissed Trevor. She more than kissed him. She lifted him in her arms and gave him the kind of scorching kiss that every woman dreamed she’d receive from the grandson of a duke. And he—horrible roue that he was—wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her right back. And he kept kissing her, with tongue and teeth and a growl of hunger so wonderful that she hated him even more. Even as she lost all thought to propriety in this very public place.

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Author Bio Jade Lee

Historical Author

SA Today bestselling author Jade Lee has been crafting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ballgowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of reader awards, she brings laughter into the sexy nights of England’s elite. Quirky characters and sexy banter are her hallmarks. Find out more at her website www.JadeLeeAuthor.com, or check out her wild contemporary half at www.KathyLyons.com.

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Historical

sylvia McDANIEL S

lap her silly, but she was done! Annabelle McKenzie strode down the wooden sidewalk on her way to the bank. Done with raising chickens, feeding cows and goats, and shoveling manure. She wanted to go with her sisters to hunt for bad men. She wanted to be a bounty hunter. Deep in thought about how she would explain to her sisters how she craved adventure and longed for excitement, she rounded the corner to enter the bank and slammed into the hard chest muscles of a large dark-haired man. The scent of soap and campfire spiraled straight to her center. This was a manly man, and Lord knew, they were scarce in Zenith, Texas. Where had this specimen come from? His hat was pulled low over his face, and he grabbed her by the arms, halting her progress. Her head fit just below his chin. She looked up at his strong, rugged jaw and serious face. Long black lashes blinked over emerald eyes as he gripped her arms. “Slow down,” he said in a deep husky drawl. He kept his head down, barely looking at her. “There’s still plenty of cash left in the bank.” What a condescending, egotistical, handsome renegade. Not an “I’m sorry” or “Excuse me”, but rather a crass remark about the money in the bank. “Maybe you should watch where you’re going.” She tilted her head and stared into his handsome rugged features. There was something about him that seemed familiar, yet she couldn’t place him. Somewhere she’d seen his face. She gazed at him. “You’re tall enough you should be able to see a woman coming.” He nodded, and she gawked at the way his shirt fit his strong shoulders and muscled arms. His lips were full and tempting, made for kissing. “You’re right, ma’am. I should see a small package like you, barreling around a blind corner. Maybe I need to replace my spectacles with a pair that can see through walls,” he said, releasing her arms. “Maybe you do.” The oversized giant was smarting off to her; he wasn’t wearing spectacles. Where had she seen him before? “What’s your name?” 54

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A sly smile turned up the corners of his full, luscious lips. “Why? You plan on having me arrested for running into you?” The man had an ornery mouth, and she was just the woman to give it right back. “Maybe,” she said. “I know the sheriff well. It would serve you right for being belligerent and disrespectful.” He smiled a wickedly sly grin that sent tingles through her. “You have a really nice day.” His voice was dripping with sweet sarcasm that made her feel like she’d eaten too many cookies. Tipping his black hat at her, he sauntered out the door. Like a kick from a bull, it hit her. His face was on one of the wanted posters she had out in her saddlebags. For a moment, she stood there stunned, wanting to grab him by the arm and haul him down to the sheriff’s office. He was getting away, and yet, part of her wasn’t certain he really was a criminal.What if her imagination was stampeding with ideas, trying to keep her from dying of loneliness in this old maid of a town? But what if this was her chance? Her opportunity to show her sisters she could do more than just watch the cows munch grass. She had bounty hunter blood flowing in her veins. She could catch criminals just as well as they could. She had two hundred dollars tucked in the satchel on her shoulder. One step closer to paying off the bank note. They only needed a little more, and then the old place would be theirs. But she didn’t have time to make the deposit. She had a criminal to catch. This morning, she’d stopped at the sheriff’s office and picked up the latest wanted posters. Tonight, when she got home, she intended to make her sisters understand. She was nineteen, soon to be twenty, and spent all her life on the farm. She needed to get away from the braying of cattle and the collecting of eggs. Making a hasty retreat out the door, she watched as the man walked down the street toward the mercantile. Then she hurried to her horse tied up on Main Street. Opening the leather bags, she thumbed through the papers. The third one she came to had a picture of her

Historical Historical man. Beau Samuel – Wanted for Bank Robbery. Five Hundred Dollar Reward. Tingles of alarm galloped along her spine. Oh, my God, she’d just run into him at the bank. He was planning on robbing the Zenith Savings & Loan. She checked her satchel, finding her six-shooter resting beside her little pot of lipstick. The bounty was more than enough to pay off the bank. Meg could start her dress shop. And Annabelle would have a little adventure in her dull, boring life. Excitement flooded her nerves like a welcome ray of sunshine. A wide smile spread across her face. This was going to be so much fun. She’d follow Mr. Samuel, and before he left town, he’d be in her custody, and she’d be the heroine who saved the day. In one afternoon, she would accomplish what Meg and Ruby had taken all year trying to do. He’d disappeared inside the mercantile. She’d be waiting for him when he came out. As the family bookkeeper for their bounty hunting business, Lipstick and Lead, it was her responsibility to make certain the bank loan was paid, the farm continued to operate, and supplies were bought, while her sisters had all the fun chasing bad guys and bringing them to justice. Her sisters earned the money, and Annabelle made certain they had a home to return to. After their father died, they’d learned his profession out of desperation. Bounty hunting paid better than being a waitress or a seamstress or even a housekeeper. And you only had to answer to the men captured and brought to justice. Not the randy hands of the owner of a business or his employees. Living on a farm alone, taking care of cattle and chickens and gardening, was enough to make any person question her sanity. In the last year, Annabelle had begun to regret agreeing to take care of their land, while her sisters did the hunting. She longed for adventure, excitement, danger. Something more challenging than shoveling manure. Only, her sisters disagreed. Meg and Ruby wanted Annabelle to remain on the farm. Hogwash! It was someone else’s turn to babysit the chickens, harvest the garden, and chase the stray cows. Annabelle was about to snag her first bounty.

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Annabelle McKenzie stays at home and takes care of the farm and the bookkeeping for their family bounty hunting business while her two sisters take all the risks. Except that she’s grown bored and longs for adventure.The chance to show her sisters that she’s just as capable of bringing a man to justice and collecting a bounty as they are. When opportunity bumps into her at the bank, she recklessly follows her prey out of town. Only she soon realizes she’s chosen the wrong man to hunt. Beau Samuels has a dark secret that goes beyond the price on his head. And now there’s a wanted poster with his face plastered in every small Texas sheriff ’s office. As if things couldn’t get worse, now he has a novice in a skirt brandishing a gun and determined to collect his reward. Could he get away from the blonde spitfire with his heart intact? When Annabelle unlocks the secrets to his heart and reveals the true man behind the wanted poster, can she lay aside her scruples and allow herself to love an outlaw? JUNE 2015

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RomCon 2015- READER WEEKEND ATTENDING A Jerrie Alexander- ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- A student of creative writing in her youth, Jerrie set aside her passion when life presented her with a John Wayne husband, and two wonderful children. A career in logistics offered her the opportunity to travel to many beautiful locations in America, and she revisits them in her romantic suspense novels. But the characters went with her, talked to her, and insisted she share their dark, sexy stories with others. She writes alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear to emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each other. She likes to torture people, make them suffer, and if they’re strong enough, they live happily ever after. Jerrie lives in Texas, loves sunshine, children’s laughter, sugar (human and granulated), and researching for her heroes and heroines. Melody Anne- CONTEMPORARY- NewYorkTimes and USAToday bestseller- She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and left behind a career in the airline industry to pursue her longtime passion— writing. Her fascination with the corporate world and strong, powerful business men radiates through her captivating stories. Melody Anne sets many of her books in small-town locations, a reflection of her own upbringing. She hails from the picturesque coastal town of Florence, Oregon, and currently resides in Oregon’s beautiful wine country—the Willamette Valley. She loves spending time with her family and friends in her small town, and is involved in many community projects. She will always be a country girl at heart. Gina Ardito- CONTEMPORARY & PARANORMAL- Gina Ardito is the award-winning international author of more than twenty romances, a legendary singer in confined spaces (her car, the shower, her office cubicle), and a killer of houseplants.She hosts fun, informative workshops for writers around the country. In 2012, Gina was named a Woman of Outstanding Leadership by the International Women’s Leadership Association, but to her friends, she’s still just a shenanigator.A native of Long Island, New York, she lives with her husband, two children, a bionic dog and a brand new superstar puppy, and two cat overlords. Sheila Athens- CONTEMPORARY- Sheila grew up in the Ozarks, vacillating between climbing trees, reading books and neurotically working toward straight A’s. Many years later—after marriage, two sons, a couple of careers, and a Master’s Degree—she discovered her first romance novel in the gift shop of a hotel when she was supposed to be networking with fellow conventioneers. Now, she’s got a bright red study filled with romance novels. She’s a creative lefty who loves quiet spaces and eccentric people. She’s lived in the coastal south for more than twenty-five years, but looks forward to one day moving to the serene mountaintop cabin she and her husband have built at the edge of a national forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Aidy Award- EROTIC ROMANCE- Once upon a time, there was a girl who lived to write stories of happy ever after. During the day. But at night, oh at night, her world transforms into one of dark desires, deep passions and the forbidden.This duality is what makes her so interesting. She combines the two sides of her imagination by penning stories of romance and true love. Read the delicious fantasies of heroes and heroines you want to be or want to be with, come to life under the covers and between the pages of Aidy’s books. Deborah Bladon- CONTEMPORARY- New York Times & USA Today bestseller- Deborah Bladon has never read a romance hero she didn’t like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She’s a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you can often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan is definitely her second home. She cherishes her family and believes that each day is a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.

AUTHORS Carolyn BrownCONTEMPORARY- New York Times and USA Today bestseller- RITA® Finalist, Carolyn Brown, has published more than sixty books. Brown presently writes both women’s fiction and cowboy romance. She has also written historical single title, historical series, contemporary single title and contemporary series. She lives in southern Oklahoma with her husband, a former English teacher, who is not allowed to read her books until they are published. They have three children and enough grandchildren to keep them young. Michele Callahan- PARANORMAL- Amazon Bestseller- Michele Callahan is a wife, mother, romance and science fiction addict, and founder of RomCon, the only Fan Convention geared toward women who read romance and genre fiction. She suffers from a dangerous case of sci-fi/fantasy fever and never turns down an opportunity to sit through a Star Wars, True Blood, or Matrix marathon. Her favorite things in books; hot heroes, superpowers, freakish things that can’t be explained by modern science, and true love! Yelena Casale- URBAN FANTASY- An award-winning author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance.Yelena was born in Kiev, Ukraine and moved to New York at 13. Being very curious and inquisitive, she has been a devoted reader and writer since childhood. As a 2nd degree black belt and instructor in Shotokan karate, an avid traveler and history and art enthusiast, she weaves universal themes with martial arts philosophies into her stories. She lives with her amazing, super supportive husband and the best Siamese cat. In her spare time, she reads, paints, watches cool shows on TV and tries to get more sleep. Like the samurai of the old, as well as the ultimate Renaissance man and Yelena’s favorite historical figure, Leonardo da Vinci, she believes that nothing is greater than mastery of oneself. Misty Dietz- PARANORMAL- Misty’s love affair with words started in middle school with moody stories set in exotic locations she’d never been to. In college, her boy-angst erupted in disturbing reams of poetry. After grad school, the writing went into hibernation until she found her own happily-ever-after with an ultra linear man who is the long-suffering counter-balance to her zig-zagging ways. Now, she spends her days writing sexy, adrenalinefueled stories, teaching Zumba, enjoying family and friends, and praying her children don’t come home with math homework. Karen Docter- CONTEMPORARY/ROMANTIC SUSPENSEKaren Docter, also writing as K.L. Docter, writes two different kinds of romance novels.... K.L.’s romantic suspense novels are filled with romance, although the dangers the hero and heroine face are intense, usually because a serial killer is bent on ending one or both of their lives before they can fall in love. Her contemporaries (written as Karen Docter) are cute & spicy romances. She loves writing about real men and women with dreams and goals that don’t allow for a relationship just so she can throw them in each other’s path...with a tickle and a smile.

RomCon 2015- READER WEEKEND ATTENDING A Geri Foster- ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- Amazon Bestseller- For as long as she can remember, Geri Foster has been a lover of reading and the written word. By the seventh grade she had worn out two library cards and had read every book in her age area of the library. After raising a family and saying good-bye to the corporate world, she tried her hand at writing. To her surprise, she won a couple of contests, hooked up with a really great critique group and her writing career was well on its way. She spent several years studying her craft and developing her voice. Action, intrigue, danger and sultry romance drew her like a magnet.That’s why she had no choice but to write action-romance suspense.While she reads every genre under the sun, she’s always been drawn to guns, bombs and fighting men. Secrecy and suspense move her to write edgy stories about daring and honorable heroes who manage against all odds to end up with their one true love. Maggie Mae Gallagher- URBAN FANTASY- Bestselling Author Maggie Mae Gallagher doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing. When she was a kid she acted out her favorite scenes, only better, with her brother and cousin. As a teenager, she wrote reams of poetry, but realized her true love lay with creating characters and stories. A former music and history major, Maggie is a total geek at her core. When she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She lives in St. Louis with her two furry felines. JoAnna Grace- PARANORMAL- From the time I started holding a crayon I began creating magical worlds. My very first book was a series of pictures about a puppy princess. The story changed each time I told it, but there was always a happy ending! My first written story was about girls who changed into tigers. Hmmm.... I guess some concepts stick with you. Now my stories have become a bit more complex! And I’m glad to share them with you. My tales are spun in my home in East Texas where I live with my husband, three kids, a couple dogs and a few fish. When I’m not hiding behind my computer screen you can find me camping, boating, and shopping. I’m active in ministry and hope to pass on the unconditional love given to me to others. Occasionally I get to sing and no one runs screaming, so I guess it’s not too bad! Joni Hahn- PARANORMAL- By day, Joni Hahn keeps her secret decoder ring hidden while she works as a mild-mannered HR manager and accounting generalist. She believes the world can never have too many superheroes, and anxiously waits for the call when one will need help saving the world... or getting into his costume. Joni was born with a hopelessly tender heart and believes there is nothing on earth more exhilarating than falling in love (Other than the rear shot of Chris Evans in The Avengers - that was pretty darn exhilarating). A native Texan, she thinks cowboys are the epitome of masculinity, and that country music is the other soul music. Sharon Hamilton- CONTEMPORARY/MILITARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSENew York Times Bestseller- Known for her award-winning SEAL Brotherhood series, Sharon also writes hot paranormals with her Golden Vampires of Tuscany and Guardians series. A lifelong organic gardener, Sharon lives with her husband in the Wine Country of Northern California, where most of her stories take place. When she’s not writing, she’s getting verra verra dirty in the mud, or wandering Farmer’s Markets looking for new Heirloom varieties of vegetables and flowers. Debra Holland- HISTORICAL- New York Times & USA Today bestseller- Debra Holland wears several hats when it comes to writing. As a psychotherapist, she writes nonfiction books. The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving is her first nonfiction book. More nonfiction books about grieving, boundary setting with difficult people, and relationships, are forthcoming. Debra also writes fiction--Historial Western Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy Romance, and Science Fiction.

AUTHORS Michelle Howard- PARANORMAL /CONTEMPORARY- Michelle Howard enjoys a crazy life that involves wild kids, a loud dog, and a husband who tolerates the madness. Like many authors, she’s dreamed of writing since reading her first romance novel many years ago. She loves paranormal and contemporary romances and is a fan of the classic romances, such as Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood. Jenna Jacob- EROTIC ROMANCE- Bestselling Author Jenna Jacob’s erotic romance comes from the heart of submission. With over twenty years experience in the Dynamics of the BDSM lifestyle, Jenna strives to portray Dominance and submission with a passionate and comprehensive voice. Her stories will make you laugh, cry, and may Leave you with a better understanding of the fulfillment found in the BDSM power exchange. A married mom of four grown children, Jenna and her husband lives in Kansas. Her passions include her family, reading, camping, cooking, music, and riding Harleys. She loves to make people laugh with her outgoing and warped sense of humor. If you’re looking for hot romance with a kinky twist, pick up one of Jenna’s books. Amelia James- EROTIC ROMANCE- I got hooked on trashy romance novels in junior high, but my mom took them away from me, But she couldn’t stop me from daydreaming. After I got married, I wrote some of my naughtier daydreams down and sent them to Playgirl magazine. Two of them got published. I kept daydreaming and writing stories until my dirty stories turned into trashy books. I live in Colorado, but I’ll always be a loyal Wisconsin Cheesehead. When I’m not lusting after my next bad boy hero, I’m looking for inspiration in sci-fi and action movies, football players, morally ambiguous lawyers, muscle cars, and kick-butt chicks. Jean C. Joachim- CONTEMPORARY- Jean Joachim, wife and mother of two sons, is owned by a rescued pug, named Homer. She’d been writing non-fiction for what seemed like forever until she got up the nerve to try fiction. It was love. Now she spends her days in New York City in the company of her characters, with a cup of tea and a secret stash of black licorice. Silk Jones- EROTIC ROMANCE- Silk Jones writes erotica, erotic romance and erotic poetry. Although she began writing poetry, song lyrics and fiction as a child, Silk wrote her first novel during National November Writing Month in 2007. Since then, she has written three novels (outside the erotica genre) and several erotic spanking stories to entertain her friends. She hopes that you enjoy her sexy stories and her journey to publication. Suza Kates- PARANORMAL- Suza Kates writes the Savannah Coven Series along with other romantic suspense and paranormal novels and was a 2014 Readers’ Crown finalist.As a self-proclaimed twisted romantic, she enjoys magic, danger, and love in equal measure. She lives in Savannah with her family and four imperialistic cats and is working on her next two series.

RomCon 2015- READER WEEKEND ATTENDING A Megan Kelly- CONTEMPORARY- Megan Kelly writes contemporary romance. Whether set in Missouri, Illinois or Montana, all feature matters of the heart, family dilemmas and quirky citizens. She lives in the Midwest where the weather has an imagination (and sense of humor) of its own.

Sandra Kerns- ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- Born in upstate New York, Sandra is officially the only Yankee in her family (and yes, a die-hard Yankees fan), as the rest were born in Kentucky. If you ever speak to her in person, don’t be surprised when a “y’all” pops out. Sandra has always loved words. By seventh grade she should have known she would be a writer, when much to the regret of her classmates, she chose idiosyncrasies as a spelling word. One of the high points of her life was the first time she beat her mother at Scrabble! Sandra now lives in Northern Colorado where she writes her stories of love from a sweetheart-of-a-town. With the majestic Rocky Mountains, family, and friends to inspire her she never lacks for ideas. Jody A Kessler- PARANORMAL- When Jody isn’t navigating the terrain of her imagination and writing it down, she can be found exploring the wilderness of Colorado with her family, or in the kitchen baking cookies & brownies – and then trying not to eat them all. She’s passionate about continuing to learn and reads anything and everything that catches her interest. Jody is a full time mom, a Reiki Master, and has taught Hatha yoga for over a decade. Eve Langlais- PARANORMAL- New York Times & USA Today Bestseller- Hello, my name is Eve and I am a Canadian author who loves to write hot romance, usually with werewolves, cyborgs or aliens. I should warn you that I possess a twisted imagination and a sarcastic sense of humor something I like to let loose in my writing. I enjoy strong alpha males, and shifters. Lots of big, overprotective shifters. I am also extremely partial to aliens, the kind who like to abduct humans and then drive them insane...with pleasure. Do you like something a little darker? Then check out my cyborgs whose battle with humanity have captivated readers worldwide. Evelyn Lederman- PARANORMAL- When Evelyn Lederman retired from her career as an insurance executive, she cheerfully anticipated the freedom to finally spend as much time reading as she’d always wanted.The twist in her story came when as -yet unwritten characters started cropping up in her thoughts, asking her to tell their stories. Now, she spends her days in Florida on the beach… with her laptop. ‘The Chameleon Soul Mate’ is the first book in her paranormal romance series, ‘Worlds Apart’. Dianna Love- ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/FANTASY- New York Times bestsellerDianna Love once dangled over a hundred feet in the air to create unusual marketing projects for Fortune 500 companies. She now writes high-octane romantic thrillers, young adult (as USA Today bestseller Micah Caida) and urban fantasy. On the rare occasions Dianna is out of her writing cave, she tours the country on her BMW motorcycle searching for new story locations. Dianna lives in the Atlanta, GA area with her husband who is a motorcycle instructor and with a tank full of unruly saltwater critters.

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AUTHORS JM Madden- CONTEMPORARYNew York Times and USA Today BestsellerJ.M. Madden writes compelling romances between ‘combat modified’ military men and the women who love them. J.M. (the J stands for Jennifer, not Jim as she’s been asked MANY times!) loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes. J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she’s at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. Kallypso Masters- CONTEMPORARY- USA Today BestsellerKallypso Masters writes emotional, realistic Romance novels with dominant males (for the most part) and the women who can bring them to their knees. She also has brought many readers to their knees— having them experience the stories right along with her characters in the Rescue Me series. Kally knows that Happily Ever After takes maintenance, so her couples don’t solve all their problems and disappear at “the end” of their Romance, but will continue to work on real problems in their relationships in later books in the series. Kally has been writing full-time since May 2011, having quit her “day job” the month before. Kally lives in rural Kentucky and has been married for almost 30 years to the man who provided her own Happily Ever After. Sylvia McDaniel- HISTORICAL- Sylvia McDaniel is a best-selling, award-winning author of historical romance and contemporary romance novels. Known for her sweet, funny, family-oriented romances, Sylvia is the author of The Burnett Brides, a western historical western series, The Cuvier Widows, a Louisiana historical series, and several short contemporary romances. Former President of the Dallas Area Romance Authors, a member of the Romance Writers of America®, and a member of Novelists Inc, her novel, A Hero’s Heart was a 1996 Golden Heart Finalist. Several other books have placed or won in the San Antonio Romance Authors Contest, LERA Contest, and she was a Golden Network Finalist. Misha McKenzie- PARANORMAL- I have always loved to read. It’s said in my family that I refused to start kindergarten because I didn’t know how. So my grandfather sat me down, at four years old, and showed me how all those words became amazing stories. All these years later, and I still love to loose myself in the pages of a book. After graduating from high school, I attended college and earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration. I married the man I met in high school and we had two handsome boys. For the next few years worked and took care of my family. The writing bug didn’t hit me until much, much later. It was shortly after I started working as an office manager in a construction company that a family of witches started clamoring for attention.The next thing I knew, I was writing my first novel. And because these witches insisted on having their stories told, it turned into The Magic of the Heart Series. Tina Moss- URBAN FANTASY- Tina Moss is an award-winning author of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and New Adult novels. She lives in NYC with a supportive husband and alpha corgi, though both males hog the bed and refuse to share the covers. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching cheesy horror flicks, traveling, and karate. As a 5’1” Shotokan black belt, she firmly believes that fierce things come in small packages.

RomCon 2015- READER WEEKEND ATTENDING A Nancy Naigle- CONTEMPORARY- USA Today bestseller- Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart. She began her contemporary romance series, Adams Grove, while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm. Now happily retired, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, cooking, and the occasional spa day with friends. A native of Virginia Beach, she now calls North Carolina home. Kristen Painter- PARANORMAL- I’m a former college English teacher, but I’ve held a crazy mix of other jobs including maitre’d for Wolfgang Puck, personal trainer, and sales for Christian Dior Bijoux. I have a *slight* shoe addiction and occasionally indulge in an unnecessary handbag. Hah! That was a joke. There is no such thing as an unnecessary handbag. I love make up and jewelry and spa days.Yes, I’m a girly girl. But don’t think that makes me weak. I can (and do) kill off characters with the best of them. Speaking of which…My forays into writing have been as varied as the jobs I’ve held. I’ve written poetry, articles for magazines, short stories, paranormal romances (that include fantasy, contemporary and steampunk genres) and now I’ve found a home with urban fantasy. I love worldbuilding and few genres give you the kind of license urban fantasy does. Bonnie Phelps- CONTEMPORARY- Bonnie used her writing skills throughout her professional life as a fundraiser and marketer for several nonprofits. She enjoyed the chance to tell and share the story of worthy organizations. In the late 1980s, Bonnie authored a syndicated column in several California newspapers in which she shared the experiences and misadventures of life as a wife and mother. The jury is out on whether or not her children always appreciated her candor. Because Bonnie has romance in her soul, she also worked as a Wedding Planner for several years. Absolutely loved it!! She craves anything sweet, revels in any chance to travel, is addicted to Ancestry.com and sees a family saga novel somewhere in her future featuring her German immigrant great grandparents. A native Californian, the author lives in Northern California with her husband. Red Phoenix- EROTIC ROMANCE- USA Today Bestseller- Red Phoenix is an award-winning erotica author who gained popularity with her book, Brie Learns the Art of Submission - #1 Best Seller in Erotica. Brie Embraces the Heart of Submission: After Graduation is the second book in the series. She has won 3 reader choice awards at the Indie Romance Convention in 2013 for her various novels and continues to inspire couples with her writing. Caridad Pineiro- CONTEMPORARY- New York Times & USA Today Bestseller- Caridad was born in Havana, Cuba, and settled in the New York Metropolitan area. She attended Villanova University on a Presidential Scholarship and graduated magna cum laude. Caridad earned her juris doctor from St. John’s University and became the first female partner of Abelman, Frayne & Schwab, an intellectual property firm in midtown Manhattan. Allie Pleiter- CONTEMPORARY/INSPIRATIONAL - An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two,Allie spends her days writing books, buying yarn, and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie hails from Connecticut, moved to the midwest to attend Northwestern University, and currently lives outside Chicago, Illinois.The “dare from a friend” to begin writing has produced two parenting books, twelve novels, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing.

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AUTHORS Michel Prince- CONTEMPORARYMichel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance. With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you. When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, cat and new puppy. Jewel Quinlan- CONTEMPORARY- Jewel Quinlan had an abundant imagination and strong desire to write novels since she was very young. She has a passion for writing paranormal and fantasy romance but often finds herself straying into new areas like contemporary and suspense because her imagination just won’t let up. An avid traveler, she has visited fifteen countries so far (which she enjoys using as setting in her novels) and has plans to see more of the world. She has a particular fondness for Bavaria and studies the German language as one of her hobbies. During the day, she work as a pharmaceutical sales representative and, at night, she writes romance. She currently lives in Orange County, California with her dog Penny. Jewel is kept in shape by Penny’s frequent demands for walks and squeak toy time. Diane J. Reed- PARANORMAL- Diane J. Reed is a multi-award winning author who writes novels that are infused with enchantment, where characters dare to break through boundaries & believe in true love. She has a soft spot for artisans & outlaws of the heart, those of us who burn brightly to live each day as a gift--because it is! Along with her passion for books, she enjoys hiking, painting, chocolate & spending time with her family in the Rocky Mountains. Teri Riggs- ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- Teri Riggs was destined to be a writer. As a small girl she didn’t read bedtime stories, she made up her own. Who needed Little Red Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs when there were so many great tales bouncing around in her head? When she grew up and became a mother to three little girls, she continued the tradition of making up bedtime stories. On the occasions she chose to tell conventional fairytales, Teri usually gave them a bit of tweaking here and there or added a new ending. Her girls loved it. After her daughters had the nerve to actually grow up and leave home, Teri discovered she had a passion for writing and jumped right in. It came as no surprise she chose to write mysteries and happily-ever-after’s since that’s the genres she loves to read.Teri lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, one of her daughters and two dogs that seem to think they rule the world. And some days Teri thinks maybe they do. Teri still frequently tells herself stories as she falls asleep. The only difference now is she wakes up the next morning and turns her bedtime stories into books.

RomCon 2015- READER WEEKEND ATTENDING A Kym Roberts- MYSTERY- Three career paths resonated for Kym during her early childhood: a detective, an investigative reporter, and...a nun. Being a nun, however, dropped by the wayside when she became aware of boys--they were the spice of life she couldn’t deny. In high school her path was forged when she took her first job at a dry cleaners and met every cop in town, especially the lone female police officer in patrol. From that point on there was no stopping Kym’s pursuit of a career in law enforcement--even if she had to duct tape rolls of coins to her waist to meet the weight requirements to be hired. Kym followed her dream and became a detective that fulfilled her desire to be an investigative reporter, with one extra perk--a badge. Promoted to sergeant Kym spent the majority of her career in SVU. She retired from the job reluctantly when her husband drug her kicking and screaming to another state, but writing continued to call her name, at least in her head. Cate Rowan- FANTASY- Cate has washed laundry in a crocodile-infested African lake, parasailed over a Mexican beach, swum with dolphins in the Florida Keys and had Costa Rican monkeys poop in her hair, but her favorite adventures are in story worlds.Writing became a force in her life when clever elementary school teachers assigned weekly creative writing projects. She wrote through high school, particularly when bored in class. (Rumor has it those early pages consisted of fantasies about Duran Duran, but she is silent on the issue and keeps those notebooks from prying eyes.) She put fiction aside to earn a Ph.D.--but her muse, even while stuffed in a dark closet, never shut up. Now her lush fantasy romances about magical deeds, kismet, and true love in realms near and far have won more than thirty awards. At RomCon2014, Cate wore medieval gowns and hip-length purple and red wigs. (Yes, the wigs hurt her head, but sometimes fantasy fashion is worth the pain.) She might do the same in 2015, so keep an eye out for unusual hair and garb! J.S. Scott- CONTEMPORARY- New York Times & USA Today bestseller- She’s an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary steamy romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can’t seem to write them any other way! Pat Simmons- CONTEMPORARY/INSPIRATIONAL- Amazon Bestseller- Pat Simmons is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth. She is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels, in hopes of tracking down distant relatives who happen to pick up her books. She has been a genealogy enthusiast since her great-grandmother died at the young age of ninety-seven in 1988. Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. She believes God is the Author who advances the stories she writes. Pat has a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. She has worked in various positions in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. Currently, she oversees the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions. SE Smith- SCI-FI- New York Times & USA Today Bestseller and #1 Amazon Bestseller- Susan enjoys sharing her amazing worlds filled with action, adventure, love, laughter and tears with her readers. Her stories focus on strong characters and the dynamics of their relationships as they deal with diverse situations. She is known for her world building that takes readers away. She is a true dreamer who believes in HEA.

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AUTHORS Tiffany Snow- ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- Tiffany attended the University of Missouri – Columbia, attaining two degrees in History and Social Studies Education. After working many years as an instructor and consultant in the Information Technology field, Tiffany now writes full-time. Tiffany loves to read and has been reading romance novels since she was way too young to read such things. She has an unhealthy obsession for all things Doctor Who, prefers Pepsi to Coke and Absolut to both, thinks men who drink girly cocktails are wusses, has learned to never stop believing in her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and can recite the entire scripts of When Harry Met Sally and Apollo 13. George Washington is cool, Bon Jovi still rocks the house, and Bruce Willis is the ultimate alpha-male hero. Married with two wonderful daughters, Tiffany and her family make their home in Kansas City, Missouri, not far from where she was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Sandy Sullivan- EROTIC ROMANCE- My journey to being a published author began when I was in between jobs a few years ago and sat down to write. I’d thought about it for years and just decided to do it. It took me about 2 months to write Texas Lady. I sent it off to a couple of friends and asked for some feedback. All I got was, “you need to get this published!” So off it went. I got the standard rejections so I decided to self-publish it. I did the same thing with two other books before I broke down and sent one of them out to a publisher again. I live in Middle Tennessee on my 6 acre farm with my husband, 4 horses, 3 dogs and 2 cats who are more spoiled than kids. When I die, I want to come back as a spoiled cat. Mine do nothing but lay around, sleep, eat and use the litter box. I’m also a registered nurse by education and usually work the emergency room, medical/surgical floor or cardiac floor and you’ll find lots of medical information within my storylines. CA Szarek- PARANORMAL/ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- Bestselling, award winning author of romantic suspense and epic fantasy romance, C.A. loves to dabble in different genres. If it’s a good story, she’ll write it, no matter where it seems to fit! She’s a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily Ever After is what she lives by! She’s originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She’s happily married and has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She works with kids when she’s not writing. Jodi Thomas- CONTEMPORARY/HISTORICAL- New York Times & USA Today Bestseller- Jodi Thomas has published over 30 books in both the historical romance and contemporary genres, the majority of which are set in her home state of Texas. Publishers Weekly calls her novels “Distinctive... Memorable,” and that in her stories “[tension] rides high, mixed with humor and kisses more passionate than most full-on love scenes.” In 2006, Romance Writers of America (RITA) inducted Thomas into the RWA Hall of Fame for winning her third RITA for THE TEXAN’S REWARD. She also received the National Readers’ Choice Award in 2009 for TWISTED CREEK (2008) and TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN (2008). While continuing to work as a novelist, Thomas also functions as Writer in Residence at the West Texas A&M University campus, where she inspires students and alumni in their own writing pursuits.

RomCon 2015- READER WEEKEND ATTENDING A LaVerne Thompson- CONTEMPORARY/FANTASY- I am an award winning, bestselling, multi-published author, an avid reader and a writer of contemporary, fantasy, and sci/fi sensual romances with interracial characters. I also write romantic suspense and new adult under the pen name Ursula Sinclair my alter ego who likes her relationships a little more complicated. Marie Tuhart- EROTIC ROMANCE- Marie Tuhart can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a book in her hands. A voracious reader since childhood, she has a TBR pile so big that she finally gave up and rented storage space! Though her family doesn’t really understand the stacks of books in her study, or the way Marie will stare off into space when she’s thinking of yet another sexy scene between her hero and heroine, they support her completely in her writing endeavors. She began writing at 19, and in 1994 decided to join RWA and get serious about publishing. When she isn’t reading or writing, Marie loves to spend time in bookstores. A world traveler, she enjoys searching out corners of the glove she hasn’t experienced yet. While still totally open to finding her own tall, dark and handsome, she is certainly enjoying the journey. Her Aries Sun makes her impatient, courageous, and something of a daredevil. Her Virgo Moon makes her exacting and a perfectionist for that telling detail. Julie Ann Walker- ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- New York Times & USA Today Bestseller- Julie Ann Walker is the author of the award-winning Black Knights Inc. romantic suspense series. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Julie is prone to spouting movie quotes and song lyrics. She’ll never say no to sharing a glass of wine or going for a long walk. She prefers impromptu travel over the scheduled kind, and she takes her coffee with milk.You can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission. Marsha R. West- ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- Marsha R. West, a retired elementary school principal, is also a former school board member and threatre arts teacher. She writes Romance, Suspense, and Second Chances. Experience Required. Marsha lives in Texas with her supportive lawyer husband. Her grandchildren live nearby.

Jude Willhoff- CONTEMPORARY- Some of Jude Willhoff’s earliest and happiest memories are of reading and writing. She started reading at an early age. Being an only daughter and living out in the country far from friends, she had to find other outlets for entertainment. In good weather, she’d climb into her treehouse with a book and be content for hours hidden among the branches. In lousy weather, she was happy to spend time in her room, reading,or writing in her journal. At one time, she thought she’d like to be an investigative reporter, but became sidetracked in college. A husband, children and life have a way of changing things. Currently, Jude resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her beloved husband, Rob and their longhaired, tabby, attack cat. She is the mother of four and grandmother to six precious granddaughters who keep her busy when she’s not writing. Delaney Williams- EROTIC ROMANCE - Delaney Williams was born on a hot summer day in Oklahoma but quickly moved to outside San Fran, which only slightly explains her oddities. She writes romance and erotica with a purpose (bullying/Cancer). She is addicted to tattoos and hard rock/heavy metal. She loves reading all types of books and reads voraciously. She oves all readers and can’t wait to meet any and everyone there!

AUTHORS Cynthia Woolf- HISTORICALAmazon Bestseller- Cynthia Woolf is the author of six historical western romance books and one short story with more books on the way. She was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends. Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity. Jennifer Zane- CONTEMPORARY/ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- Jennifer Zane has lived all over the country--from Georgia to Maryland, New York to Colorado, including an exciting five years in Montana. Her time in Big Sky country was the basis for her Gnome series. When sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not writing, she savors the insanity of raising two boys, is figuring out how many meals she can make with a pressure cooker, and teaches a pretty mean karate class. She currently lives with her family in Colorado. Rebecca Zanetti- CONTEMPORARY/ROMANTIC SUSPENSE- New York Times and USA Today Bestseller- Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances. Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day--or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

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2015 FINALISTS Finalists are listed within their category in alphabetical order of the title. There are five finalists per category unless there is a tie or fewer qualifying books. Categories with only one book that qualified as a finalist are not listed. Readers’ Crown 2015 winners will be announced on June 15, 2015.

CONTEMPORARY Date Night - R.C. Matthews Her Knight in Shining Armour - Robyn Rychards Marriage by Design - Elley Arden Maybe Baby - Ashlinn Craven Playing It Close - Kat Latham EROTIC All Hat No Cattle - Randi Alexander April Love - Honey Jans Heart of Steele - Randi Alexander Taking Chances - Suzette Rose Cauler Throttle Me - Chelle Bliss YOUNG ADULT Divine Fall - Kathryn Knight Full Fusion - NJ Damschroder Losing Logan - Sherry D. Ficklin Queen of Someday - Sherry D. Ficklin Siren’s Song - Heather McCollum HISTORICAL Dearest Love - Patrice Wayne How To Marry A Rogue - Anna Small Invitation To Passion - Bronwen Evans Lady Catherine’s Secret - Sheridan Jeane To Love and Protect - Tammy Jo Burns INSPIRATIONAL A Heart To Heal - Allie Pleiter A Thousand Little Blessings - Claire Sanders Bogota Blessings - E.A. West Different - E.A. West Saved by the Fireman - Allie Pleiter MAINSTREAM Drown Jennifer - Rae Gravely Poplar Place - Ellen Butler

PARANORMAL Blood Moon - Lisa Kessler Dancing With Raven - S.G. Rogers Night Angel - Lisa Kessler Outfoxed by Love - Eve Langlais Spirit Warrior - SE Smith The Hunter’s Realm - Brianna Hughes ROMANTIC SUSPENSE 11 - Kylie Brant Harlan’s Haven - Sandra S. Kerns Next Door Dreams - J.D. Holly Saving Sophie - Cate Beauman Slim To None - Freya Barker SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY/TIME TRAVEL aHunter4Life - Cynthia A Clement Heroic Abduction - Eve Langlais Mystic’s Touch - Dena Garson Overload Flux - Carol Van Natta Razor’s Traitorous Heart - S. E. Smith Royal Obsession - Cyndi Friberg SERIES/CATEGORY Batter Up - Robyn Neeley Fiance by Fate - Jennifer Shirk Keeping Mr. Right Now - Robin Bielman Mad About You - Joan Kilby Tell Me Something Good - Jamie Wesley URBAN FANTASY Anointed The Cantati Chronicle - Maggie Mae Gallagher When Dark Falls - Pippa Jay

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Romantic Suspense

diann MILLS WHERE IS YOUR WARRIOR?

If you’re like me, writing can be a war zone. Every day I march to my computer and battle with words. Sometime I carry the flag and stand on my desk and scream victory. And other times I hide under my desk and cower like a . . . little girl. I make the choice to be successful. I don’t choose my circumstances, and neither am I controlled by them. I am a writing warrior. Writing tactics vary according to personality, and all of us have ways to achieve our objective in a strategic manner. We approach our stories with proven maneuvers we’ve learned from other writers, and we’re not afraid of making adjustments. The crazy truth? There isn’t a perfect way to create a novel. If you doubt your fighting and survival abilities in the writing and publishing world; if you want to crawl out of your foxhole and write a marketable story, here are ten ways to champion the writing warrior in you. The Writing Warrior 1. Purpose: A warrior understands the goal of his craft is to pen a manuscript that exceeds anything the writer has created in the past. The elements of story are deepened through vigorous practice and a review of skills. The first line of defense is creativity. 2. Motivation: A warrior finds the drive to begin and finish a story by understanding his purpose and ignoring the enemy flanks approaching on all sides. 3. Determination: A writing warrior isn’t afraid of an ambush. In fact, the writer is prepared. Revisions from the editor, changes in the industry, and personal situations don’t have to be an ambush.A writer is ready with a counter-attack. We arrange our schedules to finish manuscripts before the due date so a hitch in our professional, personal, and psychological life doesn’t flatten us. We find the resources necessary to do the work. Period. 70

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4. Mental: Courage takes its form in ways that are often unpredictable. A writer is prepared by mentally being aware of what success entails, training the mind to review and add ammunition to his arsenal. The writer isn’t afraid to invest in how-to books, explore the best methods to use social media, or research the best writer conferences. A warrior seeks the tools to keep his morale up. 5. Physical: A warrior trains his body so his mind will respond accurately. This means eating nutritionally healthy foods and exercising daily. Put the good stuff into your body, train it, and watch it operate more efficiently by defeating self-doubt and exhaustion. 6. Spiritual: The Bible says to put on the armor of God so we can stand firm in our faith. Do you wear your faith like a set of new clothes? Are you clothed in the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, boots of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit? A warrior without faith is defeated before he begins. Look up for your marching orders, not at your fingers on the keyboard. 7. Objective: A warrior knows his objective before he straps on his weapons. He trains with courage. Don’t be afraid of guerrilla warfare. If your story isn’t flowing the way you envisioned, take a step back. Look at the story from another angle. What happens in the middle of your story that changes everything for your characters? What detail in your backstory pushes a character into unexpected action? Reach out for a critique partner. Work your way back from the story’s resolution. 8. Hunger: A warrior craves his very best and leads the charge. Do you hunger for your work to be viewed as respected, a strong story that entertains and inspires the reader? Does your heart want a manuscript that fulfills a need?

Romantic Suspense

9. Love and compassion: A warrior takes every weary step forward because of his love for people. The world is filled with hurting people, and he wants to protect and help them overcome adversity by showing them how to be warriors. 10. Commitment: A warrior faces the challenges of the ever-changing writing and publishing industry by seeking information that teaches new concepts. His allegiance to story and pleasing readers links him to all areas of writing and publication. A warrior doesn’t admit defeat; he’s armed with knowledge that ensures he’s still writing when the smoke clears. Have you discovered your hidden warrior? A writer without a battle is a writer who’s given in to the echoes of defeat and forgotten the will to create. I’m a writing warrior. What about you? FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment.That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington and what she sacrificed to put him away he is now her best lead. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

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As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer.Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross. MAY/JUNE 20142015 JUNE

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Romantic Suspense DOUBLE CROSS - FBI: HOUSTON BOOK 2

pecial Agent Laurel Evertson had done everything required of her and more to gain Morton Wilmington’s affections. The gaudy diamond on her left hand proved it. She was prepared to end her undercover work tonight and walk away from this despicable role. All she had to do was find the flash drive that would send her fiancé to prison for life. Morton reached into his closet and pulled out designer pants, a shirt, and a sports jacket. “Babe, I’m taking a shower. Thought we’d grab dinner downtown before the play.” “Perfect. I’m ready. So looking forward to tonight.” She despised the lies and the counterfeit love. “What are you going to do? Read here?” “I am. A new romance novel.” She pointed to a window seat that offered a scenic view of his condo’s pool bathed in late-summer afternoon sun. He chuckled, his deep-blue eyes smoldering. “As long as I’m your main man.” “None other.” She kissed him lightly. “I’m turning on a little Andrea Bocelli to put me in the mood.” “For what?” “The book, the play, dinner, and us.” “Another reason why I love you. Even if you did beat me last night in Monopoly.” He disappeared into the shower. The moment the sound of water met her ears, she confirmed his location. Four times she’d found herself alone in his condo and attempted to access his safe, but each time she’d failed to hack into his computer, where he stored the safe combination that changed daily. Today she knew his password, and she quickly located the code on his laptop. She placed the novel on the bed and removed a framed picture of a tank at Fort Knox from the wall to reveal the safe. Odd for a bedroom, but Morton had served four years in the Army. Probably the only thing he could be proud of. She rested the picture against the nightstand while the digital combination bannered across her mind. Squeezing her fingers into her palm to steady herself, she pressed in the code, hoping Andrea Bocelli’s tenor voice drowned out the low click. If she was wrong, the alarm would blare throughout the condo, bringing Morton out of the shower along with his bodyguard from the kitchen.

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Big business had made him one of the most powerful men in the country, and certainly in Texas. Murder, money laundering, and organized crime were his best friends— legitimacy his enemy. But he’d made one mistake, exposing it all on a flash drive. He’d bragged about where it was hidden one night after drinking too much. It had taken her months to locate the safe and figure out how to gain access. Was she any better than he, using another person for her own agenda? She shook off the thought and concentrated on her commitment to stop Wilmington from breaking the law. She secured the flash drive and replaced the picture. Stealing her way to the bathroom door, she confirmed Morton was still showering. His laptop sat on his desk as though beckoning her to prove the FBI’s suspicions. She inserted the drive. Her heart pounded, ached. “Babe, had an idea for our honeymoon,” he called from the bathroom. “Great.” She breathed deeply to calm her scattered nerves. “Are you going to tell me?” “Maybe.” “You know I love surprises.” The details on the computer rose like rich cream: names, places, bank accounts. She ejected the device and slipped it into her shoe. “I sent a check to MD Anderson this morning,” he said. “For the kids or in general?” “The kids.The fund-raiser we attended hit me hard.” But you’d killed men who got in your way. “They stole my heart too.” She texted the FBI and Jesse, her partner, providing the code to the condo’s alarm system and telling them where the armed bodyguard was located. “Do you need anything?” “That’s a loaded offer, but I’m good.” He wouldn’t be so good once the FBI arrived for the takedown.“What time are we leaving?” She moved back to the window seat and opened her novel. He stepped from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. “Is six okay?” She smiled. “Sure.” Finally this charade would be over. While discussing what Wilmington wanted to do for the children at MD Anderson, he dressed and she touched up her makeup. Her hands trembled. “Are you okay?” he said. “You’re shaking.” “Just hungry.” She hated this game, made her feel as

Romantic Suspense dirty as Morton. “Want a glass of orange juice?” “You’re so sweet. Thanks, I’d love it.” He left the room and went down the hall to the kitchen. She checked her phone. W r n place. Now With a confident breath, she pulled her Glock from her purse and trailed after Wilmington. Only moments remained. A crash sounded from the kitchen and seized her attention. Morton swore. “Laurel, stay back. Call the bodyguards.” She rushed from the bedroom, her hand fused to her Glock. Gunfire exploded. One. Two. Three shots. A bodyguard sprawled facedown on the floor, blood seeping from beneath him. Jesse hid in the back of the kitchen by the utility room, trapped but able to fire. “Morton, drop the gun.” She inched closer. “You’re part of this?” His eyes and gun stayed fixed on Jesse. “You set me up?” “It was my job.” He called her vile names that would echo forever. “FBI. Lower your weapon.” She moved closer. “Morton Wilmington, you’re under arrest. Agents are waiting.” “You know how I operate. No one gets the best of me.” “You can give orders to the prison guards.” “You have a choice,” Morton said. “Put down your gun, or I’ll blow a hole right through this guy.” “That works both ways.” Morton swung a seething look at Laurel, allowing just enough time for Jesse to move into position. Morton whirled and fired, sending Jesse backward to the floor, a bullet in his neck. Blood seeped across his upper body. His eyes wide-open. . . The cost of her undercover work. Agents poured through the door. Morton dropped the gun and glared at her. “I have people everywhere. You can’t hide, Laurel. No matter how long it takes. You’ll pay in blood.”

Author Bio DiAnn Mills

Romantic Suspense Author

iAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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Romantic Suspense

kat MARTIN AN INTERVIEW You became a writer by accident. Could you talk a bit about that? I had never thought about becoming a writer until I met my future husband, L.J. Martin, who had written an historical western novel I loved. I was helping him work on the editing, not his strong suit--grammar, spelling, the basics. The more I dabbled, the more I thought maybe I could write a book. I had always had a lot of stories in my head and I also read a lot. The next thing I knew, I was writing my own novel. Magnificent Passage was my first book. Since then I have written more than sixty novels. Which of your characters would you like to meet in person? Why? One I would definitely want to meet is Rafe Brodie, the hero of my new book, AGAINST THE TIDE. Rafe is smart, rugged, and savvy. Plus he is gorgeous! Another of my favorite characters is Chance McLain from The Secret, a hunky Montana cowboy. I think you can guess the reason I’d like to meet him (grin). I like my heroine Olivia Chandler, also in TIDE. She’s one of the smartest women I’ve written. Liv really has her stuff together. What is the one thing about you that people would be most surprised to know? I’m a hermit. Unless we are traveling I pretty much stay home and write. Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? I hate writing description. Which is why I don’t put a lot in. I’m not crazy about back-story. I don’t care what my hero/heroine did in high school unless it pertains to what is happening in his or her life now. Sex scenes

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are difficult to write because I want them to be fresh and match the tone of the story line at that time. I love writing dialog. What do you consider to be your best accomplishment? Getting published, staying published, writing stories people seem to want to read. Staying 4 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list with Against the Sky! You’ve written several types of romances since your first book was published in 1988. Which category is your favorite and why? My favorite is Contemporary Romantic Suspense, without question. I love the challenge of coming up with fast-paced, intriguing stories. In my new book, Against the Tide, the characters are in peril from the opening scene and the problems only get more intense. I love helping them find ways out of their dilemmas. I also like the freedom to use a broader range of language, different from writing historicals. Do you find it challenging to keep a series going? My stories are each so different, I have a lot of latitude. I like writing detectives, ex-military, or just take-charge kind of guys. In Against the Tide, Rafe Brodie owns a charter fishing boat fleet in Alaska. He’s sucked into a mystery that becomes deadly, but he’s the tough, rugged kind of man who can handle it. With those kinds of characters, I’m pretty wide open when it comes to story. The trick is to find the right woman to help tell the tale. What is the best part about being a writer? The personal challenge. Being able to work from home, set your own schedule. Meeting interesting people both in and out of the business. It always feels great when a book turns out the way you want it.

Romantic Suspense EXCERPT:

Secrets and Danger Threaten in the Land of the Midnight Sun… Liv Chandler is running for her life. She can’t trust anyone, not even the one man who makes her feel safe—rugged charter boat captain, Rafe Brodie. Rafe is determined to uncover Liv's secrets, but the beautiful café owner has a past more dangerous than Rafe can guess. Something terrible is coming…and even in remote Valdez, Alaska, Rafe can’t protect her forever.

Rafe thought of the young man as he parked his dark green Ford Expedition in a spot in front of the harbor, climbed out, and closed the door. Puddles from last night’s rain sloshed against his boots as he made his way toward the dock. The occasional street light burned into the darkness but quiet surrounded him, along with the familiar salty tang of the sea. Rafe couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Which brought his thoughts full-circle to Scotty. With year-round residents numbering less that fortyfive hundred, everyone knew everyone who lived there. And everyone knew and liked Scotty. The kid had been born in Valdez. He thrived on the rugged lifestyle, planned to marry and raise kids here, probably never would have left. What the hell had happened? Rafe thought again as he walked toward his boat. And why did Chief Rosen want to meet him at the Scorpion? A few spaces down from where’d he parked, Rafe spotted a black-and-silver Ford police SUV. In the distance, the familiar antenna above the wheelhouse of the Scorpion marked where the boat bobbed near the middle of the dock. Rafe started down the long wooden walkway, his gaze on the group of people gathered next to where the Scorpion was moored. The area was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape, the boat clearly off limits until the police were finished collecting evidence. Police Chief Clifford Rosen, a stout man in his fifties, bald head ringed by thinning gray hair, stood next to a figure lying on the dock, covered by a long white cloth. Knowing Scotty Ferris lay under the cloth made Rafe’s stomach burn. “What happened?” he asked the chief. “Looks like he was robbed,” Rosen answered. “Wallet’s missing, jewelry’s gone. Car keys. Cell phone’s missing. Single blow to the back of the head. Blunt instrument. Baseball bat seems the most likely, something that size that was easy to handle.” “Jesus.” “I asked you to come down because I need someone to identify the body. With his parents both dead, I figured better you than his fiancée. Soon as you do that, I’ll break the news to the Webster girl.” Rafe just nodded. Cassie was going to be devastated.

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Romantic Suspense She and Scotty were crazy in love, the kind Rafe figured had a good chance of lasting. Sometimes fate could be a real bastard. One of the officers, a red-haired young cop Rafe recognized as Rusty Donovan, leaned down and lifted the edge of the sheet. As the cover rolled back, Rafe’s gaze fixed on Scotty. The boy’s brown eyes were open, staring sightlessly into the black night sky. His handsome face was frozen in a look of surprise. He was wearing a jacket but it was unzipped, revealing a long-sleeved blue T-shirt that read FISHERMEN DO IT DEEPER. Rafe could almost see the grin on the kid’s face when he’d put it on. “It’s him,” he said darkly. “Scott Ferris.” “You know what he was doing down here?” “No.” But once he got his head wrapped around Scotty’s death, he intended to find out.

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Author Bio Kat Martin

Romantic Suspense Author

ew York Times bestselling author Kat Martin is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara where she majored in Anthropology and also studied History. She is married to L.J. Martin, author of western, non-fiction, and suspense novels. Kat has written more than sixty-five novels. Sixteen million copies of her books are in print and she has been published in twenty foreign countries, including Japan, France, Germany, Argentina, Greece, China, Russia, and Spain. Born in Bakersfield, California, Kat currently resides in Missoula, Montana, on a small ranch in the beautiful Sapphire mountains. Her last eleven books have hit the prestigious New York Times bestseller list. Both AGAINST THE WILD and AGAINST THE SKY, her latest release, took top ten spots. AGAINST THE TIDE the 3rd book in the Brodies of Alaska series will hit shelves in a couple weeks!

Romantic Suspense

c.a. SZAREK BALANCING “READER” AND “WRITER.”

have always been a reader AND a writer. I started writing when I was about 8, but I didn’t finish a book until I was 17. I tend to “binge” anything I like to do. So I will go through long periods of JUST writing, where I don’t even think about any books but my own. Or get frustrated with myself because I “missed out” reading a new release from one of my fave authors because I just had to finish the book I was writing. (Which in most cases, I really DID have to finish writing that book.) Reading has always been the same for me. When I am having a streak, I can read 4-5 books a week. If I like an author, I often get all their books and read them back to back. I need to catch up. Of course, that means I usually have a huge book hangover, especially if I’m reading series. Because there’s no helping “the wait” for the next book in the series. It’s harder for me to read AND write at the same time, but I find it makes me happier when I do. When I do one and not the other, I MISS the other. And I find when I don’t write it’s worse than when I don’t read. I get grumpy. So what works best for me is writing daily, then making myself see the reading as a “reward” for the work I got done. Sometimes it works fabulously. Other times I just want to watch TV in my downtime, but that’s a whole ‘nother post. (I watch way too much TV! Also a bingeing problem.) I feel like writers SHOULD read. I don’t know about other writers, but if I do nothing BUT write, I get too much up in my own head, if that makes sense. It just wraps me up and gives me trouble spots in my stories. Besides, it’s good to see what else is out there, what other awesomely creative people are doing. I love it! And I love to explore different genres. Some authors will tell you not to read the genre you write, but I personally will read anything as long

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as it’s a good story. I find that reading my own genres doesn’t hurt my writing, nor does it make me worry that my own stuff isn’t “good enough.” It just makes even more in awe that my books are in the same category of authors I love to read, genres I love to read. Historicals (especially Scottish Highlanders) are one of my fave things to read.And I love to read paranormal, and of course a fab romantic suspense, almost as much as I like to write it. Balance is key for me in anything I do. Blame it on being a Libra, I dunno. Just seems when I have balance I function better, especially with reading and writing.

Romantic Suspense EXCERPT—COLLISION CONTROL (CROSSING FORCES BOOK 4)

e pulled her closer and swayed to some random country song about long lost love. It could’ve been any one of the greats crooning as they danced, but it didn’t register. He couldn’t keep his mind off the gorgeous woman in his arms. Soft, curvy. Perfect. Jared wanted to taste her. All of her. Let’s get out of here was on the tip of his tongue. “Hard,” Renee whispered, lifting her head from his shoulder. He stilled and their eyes met. God, he’d die if she realized he was half-aroused. Then again, it’s a good way to see if she’s on the same page. “What?” he croaked. “Your chest. It’s so hard.” She poked his right pec. Her cheeks went rosy for the hundredth time, but Renee was adorable. Most of the flush was alcohol related. He needed to remember that. He got the feeling she didn’t drink much, but he hadn’t lost track of all the beer she’d downed. His conscience chided, Put her in a cab. Send

her home. He couldn’t. Jared wanted her. If she was willing, he’d have Renee. She peered up at him as if she was waiting on him to say something. Right. Hard. Heat crept up his neck. “Uh.Yeah. I work out.” Renee blinked then giggled. “Guys who look like you don’t notice girls who look like me.” She backed out of his embrace, gesturing to her body. The movement of her arms made her skirt play at her knees. A tease. Jared wanted to see more. But her words sank in and he cupped her face. “You are absolutely gorgeous.” She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Right. Me.” Lowering his head, he took her mouth, swallowing her surprised squeak. Beer and sweet, sweet woman greeted his tongue when Jared forced her to open for him. Like a sugary treat mixed with the stout lager she’d consumed, her kiss was a drug he had to have more of. Renee stepped into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She moved her mouth under his, kissing him back, giving when Jared took. Her hips against his made him granite, and when she rocked into him, his body took over and pressed right back.

A one night stand can’t possibly mean forever… Detective Jared Manning met his match at a bar. After a night of passion, she sneaks out of his bed without so much as a note. Problem is, now he can’t find her. Kindergarten teacher, Melody Nash doesn’t do one night stands. Embarrassment gets the best of her and she lies about her name. When they collide at her school, Mel resists his pull. She won’t risk her heart on the obvious playboy, even though she can’t stop thinking about the night in his arms. Stress engulfs Jared’s personal and professional lives. His brother is at the center of the joint case he and his partner are working in cooperation with FBI. He puts his job on the line when he fails to share his blood relation. Complications he doesn’t need, considering the FBI agent on the case is convinced his brother killed her fiancé. Balance is the name of the game. Can Jared save his brother and convince Mel they’re meant to be together? Opposites attract when a wild detective and proper kindergarten teacher collide while he’s chasing his own brother and trying balance his heart and his job.

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Romantic Suspense He kissed her long and hard, until his cock threatened to blow in his jeans. Considering the three shots of Scotch and at least three beers, he was pretty damn impressed. Panting, Jared made himself end their lip-lock before he wrapped her legs around his waist and pushed her skirt up right there on the dance floor just to get inside her faster. “Wanna get out of here?” Large, perfect breasts rose and fell against his chest. Purple fabric shifted as she struggled to breathe, giving more than a mere hint at cleavage. Her blue eyes were hazy, but she nodded. “Yeah?” His heart kicked into overdrive and he chided himself to calm down. They were both inebriated, but this isn’t a good idea went unheeded. He wasn’t exactly thinking with his big brain. “Yes.” The word was breathless and made him groan. “My place or yours?” Her hesitation made him cringe. “Yours.” Renee nodded, as if she was trying to convince herself so he kissed her again, cupping her ass and pushing his erection into her pelvis. “I want you,” he breathed. No way was he sleeping alone tonight.

Author Bio CA Szarek

Romantic Suspense Author

estselling, award winning author of romantic suspense and epic fantasy romance, C.A. loves to dabble in different genres. If it’s a good story, she’ll write it, no matter where it seems to fit! She’s a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily Ever After is what she lives by! She’s originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She’s happily married and has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She works with kids when she’s not writing.

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Inspirational

becky WADE A Q&A WITH BECKY WADE ABOUT A LOVE LIKE OURS Q: What is the overarching theme of A Love Like Ours? inding hope. The hero of the novel, Jake Porter, is a former Marine who now works as a Thoroughbred racehorse trainer. It’s been eight years since Jake returned home from his final tour in Iraq, and he’s still struggling with PTSD. A Love Like Ours is about rediscovering hope that once was lost.

Q: What motivated you to write about a hero who’s a military veteran? I’m extremely grateful to our veterans for their service. I cast Jake as my hero because I was moved by news stories I’ve seen and read throughout the years about service men and women who were injured overseas and returned to the States with physical injuries and/or disorders like PTSD. I’m particularly excited about the release of A Love Like Ours because I’ll be giving a portion of my earnings on the novel’s first two weeks of sales to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a wonderful organization that provides therapy for both physical and mental health conditions. Q: It sounds like the book deals with some serious topics. How would you describe its overall tone? While A Love Like Ours does deal with some serious topics, I’d describe the story’s tone as optimistic, heartwarming, humorous, modern, and romantic. Jake’s a brooding hero, so I made sure to match him with a spunky, upbeat heroine. Q: There’s a subplot in A Love Like Ours about Thoroughbred horse racing. What spurred your interest in racing? 84 www.romcon.com

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I’ve loved horses since I was young. I grew up in a historic neighborhood in Riverside, California, with no possibility of stabling a horse in my backyard. That fact didn’t stop me from asking for a horse each and every Christmas. I never received a horse during my growing-up years. But I had a wonderful time “owning” a whole ranch full of them via the writing of A Love Like Ours. The research I put into this book can hardly be counted as work because I enjoyed it so much. Q: The heroine of the novel, Lyndie, has a younger sister with severe cerebral palsy. Can you tell us about the family you know personally that inspired Lyndie’s family in A Love Like Ours? A few years back, my daughter had a preschool teacher named Kari. Kari is the kindest, warmest, most fun and most tender-hearted woman I could have hoped for my daughter to have as her teacher. In getting to know Kari, I got to know her family. Kari has two daughters. Her oldest is a completely healthy eighth grader. Her youngest was born with cerebral palsy due in part to the fact that her skull was shattered in three places at birth. Kari’s younger daughter is blind, non-verbal, and requires round-the-clock care. In spite of their challenges, this family blew me away with their joy and energy and positivity. I knew from the time I met them that I wanted to base a fictional family on their real-life example. Q: In what way do you hope A Love Like Ours encourages its readers? I hope that the novel reminds readers that in God, there’s always reason to hope! He has the power to redeem all things in His time.

Inspirational

EXCERPT FROM A LOVE LIKE OURS

ake stopped at Silver Leaf’s stall. The horse had his head down, chewing hay. It took Jake a moment to spot Lyndie’s small form in the dim space. She sat to one side, her back against the wall, her knees drawn up and her arms wrapped around them. She must have heard him coming because she was already gazing up at him. Her lips tipped into a gentle smile. For a long moment Jake stared at her. Foolish woman, sitting in a horse stall for hours every day. Even more frustrating, looking at him as if she liked him and trusted him. Looking at him as if she believed he was worthy of her friendship and trust. Raw pain gathered in his chest. “I saw your car,” he said. “I’m still trying to get to know Silver Leaf. I’m learning a lot, but I don’t yet understand him.” “I never said that I expected you to make him into a runner.” The words came out more harshly than he’d planned. “I don’t think anyone can.” “I think that I can.” She spoke quietly but with confidence. “I hope that I can.” “I hired you to exercise him and that’s it.” “I know.” “Go home, Lyndie. It’s too cold for you here.” Rain drummed against the roof. “I’m all right.” She motioned to the light blue vest she had on over a long-sleeved shirt and her riding leggings. Was she trying to point out that she’d dressed warmly enough? He wasn’t buying. Her hands looked pale and cold to him. “I’m just going to stay with him a little longer, Jake.” She’d put her hair into some sort of bun on top of her head. “If that’s okay with you.” He should order her to leave like he’d planned. To do so was certainly within his rights. But for reasons he didn’t understand, he found it hard to say no to her when she looked at him like that. He went to the warm room and made her a cup of coffee using the Keurig. He hadn’t wanted to know

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships. When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley,Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run. Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him.Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend? JUNE 2015

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Inspirational things about Lyndie, but he’d nonetheless learned a great deal since they’d started working together. He’d learned that she liked coffee. He knew that her cheeks turned pink when she rode. He’d memorized the exact shade of her pale brown eyes, like the color of Jack Daniels. It took physical strength to do the job she did, and he knew that she had that strength. Returning to Silver Leaf’s stall, he handed Lyndie the cup of steaming coffee. Her expression softened with pleased surprise. “Thank you.” Her profile created a perfect line, so sheer and sweet that hunger filled him. Hunger? No. But it was hunger. The realization sent fear slicing into him. He wasn’t right or whole. Not good enough for her or anyone. Caring about Lyndie, wanting her, could only cause him misery.

Author Bio Becky Wade

Inspirational Author

ecky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky’s work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award. Learn more at www.beckywade.com.

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