Jacquelyn Frank

Authors After Dark Paranormal Weekend

2009-11-06T17:45:00.009-05:00

Well, not to toot my own horn or anything, but I heard people had a really good time!! YAY!! Although, some of you may have heard that a certain author *cough cough* tripped over her own feet and gave herself a concussion. Alas, much to my dismay, I missed the entire last half of my own weekend! I was in a crappy hospital where all the bathrooms smelled like pee and my roommate was a total nosy mouthbreather. I ended up with a headache that lasted a bajillion (okay, so it was sevenish) days. Needless to say that part of the weekend totally sucked...for me anyway. But the parties went on without me and the pictures say everyone had a great time! I admit, though, I feel horrible and so guilty for those who came so far for the signing only to find out I was flat on my face in the hallway getting carried away by some uber hot EMTs. Sucks to be all of you who didn't have their hands all over them! Sucked to be me with the exception of those five minutes of EMT dreaminess.

Anyway, I do have some pictures to share of the event. This first one is of the tables before everyone was let in. Yes, those are green cobwebs on the chairs and tables. Our first party was the pajama party/candy and ice cream party. Those cauldrons are full of candy plus the tables were covered in treats. I gave away brand new sleep shirts for the Gatherers series and the first of the tons of books we were giving away.

These next pics are of the many baskets we raffled off for Pets Alive and the Animal Compassion Network!

There were something like ten tables filled with this stuff. And thank you SO much for the authors and others who donated these excellent gifties and helped us to raise a total of 1,400 dollars to be split between the two charities! I am so delighted!!

Even though I wasn't there, I do have some pictures of the masquarade. They are a little dark! The little red queen is my B!

Anyway, I wish I had more. It wasn't perfect because of the accident and me missing such important parts of the event, but I hope everyone had a fabulous time. I promise to be more careful next year!! Although, Tilly Green's husband said I fell quite gracefully. :) Personally, I felt myself bounce. One of the pleasures of having a nice rack. I come with my own airbags!!

Kate Duffy

2009-09-28T19:47:00.002-04:00

Kate Duffy died today. I hope with all of my heart that she knows how much she meant to me. If not for her not a single word I write would be seen by another living soul. She was more than just an editor at Kensington to me. She was the roof over my head, the bed I sleep in, and all these other comforts I now enjoy just because she saw something in three little pages of sample work from me and thought I was worth a closer look. I can't help but feel an era has just passed by and I didn't get to enjoy it nearly as much as I could or should have.

I will miss you so much, Kate. I know you're up there having a smoke with the goddess and kicking back with a good book.

All my love,
Jacki

PLEASURE!

2009-08-18T15:08:00.003-04:00

As you know, PLEASURE is releasing this coming Tuesday August 23rd. What some of you may not know is that this is two stories in one. First will be Sagan's story then will come Malaya's story. You will finally get to see what happens between Malaya and Guin. I know a lot of you have been anticipating that. After PLEASURE releases we're going to revamp the entire website in anticipation of my new series, The Gatherers, the first book of which will release January of the coming new year. Keep in mind that I am in the process of writing the sixth Nightwalkers book which will be Jasmine's story.

Right now I am on vacation at Topsail Island, NC, enjoying the ocean (for the most part....a close encounter with an angry jellyfish has left me quite wounded) and hoping for new inspirations. Who knows what's going to come out of that jellyfish experience!I am going to be making an appearance in September at the RAW party and, of course, we have my party in October! It's going to be so much fun and I already have my costume picked out for the masquerade.

Well, back to the beach for me. See you all soon!
Hugs and Kitties
Jacki Frank

Greetings!

2009-07-07T17:50:00.001-04:00

And salutations!

Well, it has been a wild sort of a week for me. On the one hand I am still under the spell of a new medication that makes me fall asleep, on the other hand, RAPTURE came out last Tuesday!! YAY! The response from readers has been really awesome and I thank you all for that. It's really exciting for me since I feel this is my best work to date. It is a personal favorite of mine.

I am so excited about the release that I am going to give away an ARC of PLEASURE both here and on my home site to anyone who comments on RAPTURE and what they thought of it. You can get picked if you even have less than enthusiastic things to say about it. I prefer the truth to ass kissing, thank you very much. I think it makes me a better writer in the long run.

There's been some confusion as to the release date for PLEASURE. The official date is August 25th, 2009. It is NOT in 2010. That was a misprint in the RAPTURE excerpt. I also wanted to let you know that I am still working on the sixth Nightwalker book so it will be some time before it goes into production and you all get to see it. Starting in January you will see me taking leave of the Nightwalkers altogether in order to introduce the Gatherers, an interdimensional romance series that I think you will like a great deal. After that you will see me doing a sci fi romance series with Ballentine Books. Wild huh? A LOT of exciting stuff, new and interesting to be sure. But you will eventually get to see your favorite Nightwalkers again, never fear.

On a personal note, Bianca is here for the summer! It's a little crazy with a nine year old in the house, and such a change from the boring quiet I am used to. I can't get much of anything done, but I don't mind! It's great to have hugs and stories and such. :) We're headed to the beach in August and I think we'll all enjoy that.

So, anyway, tell me what you thought of RAPTURE if you want some PLEASURE! I'll be happy to mail you out your prize! And don't forget, we are going to have some wild fun at my get together in October and I really hope to see you there. Don't forget to get yourselves registered now because the price goes up after the initial cut off date because of the hotel rules. C'mon, it's worth it just for the DJ and the masquerade!

RT Convention Cometh!

2009-04-06T18:13:00.000-04:00

Howdy all! How are things by you? Things are pretty awesome over by me. I just got a new car and I've lost a total of 70lbs since my whole weight loss saga began. I had to go shopping for all new clothes. And what's really awesome about that is in a few months I'll probably have to do it all over again!

But enough about that. I have a winner from last month's comment contest. The winner gets an ARC of my new book RAPTURE. This one may be my all time favorite written book and I really hope you guys like it to. Remember it hits shelves June 30th. Okay the lucky winner needs to email me at jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com with their full name and address.

And the winner on the AAD blog is: Kim S. Congrats Kim!
And the winner on my home blog is: Whitney

Now, the Romantic Times Convention is just around the corner! Yay! Anyone who is going has to remember to come to my Sunrise and Shadowdwellers Morning Mixer! You wouldn't think those two things would go together, but I assure you they do. We're going to have lots of fun and I spent a fortune on my goody bags! I want you all to leave very happy :) Also, me and my gf's are all going to be wearing saris in honor of the Shadowdweller women's favored mode of dress. I hear Stella Price's is gorgeous and I know mine is stunning. I only hope I do it justice.

Now I'm feeling generous, so I'm going to give away two more ARCs. Same rules as last time. All you have to do is comment either here or on my home blog site. Or heck, do both if you like! Good luck! And don;t forget to check out the Authors After Dark Event. I know I must have some tri-state area fans out there somewhere!

Hugs and Kitties
Jacki

Come One! Come All!

2009-03-09T17:20:00.001-04:00

Howdy! I have soooo much to tell you! I am having a party! Allow me to officially introduce to you the Authors After Dark Event! This will be a fabulous private party with you, the readers, and us, your favorite paranormal writers! That's what makes this weekend so special...it's all paranormal and it all going to be great fun! We're going to have a Candy Shop Pajama party the first night, and a dinner and a masquerade the next! We'll be blowing out both nights with a DJ and dancing and you will be rubbing elbows with all your favorite authors the whole time!

I know there are a lot of events out there these days, and I know the economy is making things rough, but if you want to spend a fun weekend with us we promise you won't regret it. And besides, we're having an author signing event you won;t want to miss where you can get your books signed by favorite authors like Sunny, Rosemary Laurey, and, of course, me! The registration is as fair as we could make it and we got a real cheap room rate for hotel rooms considering it is going to be during the fall in beautiful upstate NY.

All of the information is on the site when you follow the link. So is the paypal button you can use for quick and convenient registration. If you don't like paypal, no worries! We have instructions for that as well! :)

I really hope to see you there. I love nothing more than meeting my readers, and I am certain the same is true for the other authors. And hey, maybe you'll be introduced to some you didn't realize were out there!

Now for new business. Or rather, old business! I realized recently that I promised a copy of Ecstacy, signed, to one of my commentors on the blog before my surgery. Well, you can imagine why I forgot about it, but it's still no excuse. I wanted to let you know that I have chosen a winner! Marni, I know you are a Kindle gal, but would you like a paperback book signed from me? Send your name and address to me at jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com.

As for the rest of you, I just got in a BIG box of RAPTURE ARCs!! I am going to give away two of them. One to one of the commentors on the AAD blog, and one to one of the commentors on my home blog. Best let me hear you all! What do you think of my party? Whose coming? Anything you want to say!

See you soon!
Hugs and Kitties
Jacki

I'm Back!!

2009-02-06T22:59:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know it's been a whole month since I said I was on my way into surgery, but it's kind of taken this long for me to recover enough from the whole ordeal to focus on writing two words together.

For those not in the know, I went in for gastric bypass surgery. Well, let's just say it wasn't as routine as we would have liked. Sometime after surgery I threw a clot that went into a bad place. Of course we didn't know this until my blood pressure bottomed out and my insides ruptured. Even so, they couldn't figure out what was going on so they rushed me into surgery to seek out the problem and...luckily for me my surgeon is a flippin' genius. So he fixed me up and after a blood transfusion and almost a week in the ICU I was finally able to come home.

But wait. Don't think the gal my surgeon has nicknamed 'Trouble' is done. No. About 10 days after my release I wake up with screaming pain in my back and I can't draw breath for my life. The verdict? You got it...pneumonia/pleurisy. Can I just say it FREAKIN HURTS! Anyway I could barely move until about two days ago. Now I am finally able to breathe and move around and basically feel normal. That's why I am late doing my blog here. It's going to take another week or so before I am healed up so I ask you all to bear with me if you've written me email. I will get around to it eventually, I promise! Just give me time :) For those of you who sent me well wishes, I thank you. As you can see, I really needed it!!

Hugs and kitties
Jacki Frank

GB-Day

2009-01-05T11:45:00.003-05:00

Well, the day has come. Surgery (for those not in the know, I am having Gastric Bypass Surgery) looms tomorrow morning at 11 am. I can tell you one thing, I am more nervous and excited than I have been about anything since Christmas morning when I was a kidlet. Time has started to crawl, so I figure that's the excitement. If it was nerves it would start flying by...or at least that's how I see it. I'll be in the hospital for two days, if all goes well, and my assistant Ryanne and my good friend Susan will be with me. I don't exactly have the kind of family where you'd expect them to show up and all that, though to be fair my sister is in Connecticut and she would be there if she could. I will try to log on as soon as I get home and will let you all know how things went.

I haven't heard anything about how Ecsatsy is doing out there in the wide world. Not that I am paying much attention. I have other things on my mind as you see. I have gotten some feedback from some of you all and I want you to know how much I truly appreciate that. After all, you are the ones that matter and you are the ones I want to hear from. So maybe you'll be kind to me and leave me some comments about Ecstasy. I only got 4 stars from Romantic Times Magazine this time. I guess that is still good, but I want to know what cost me that half a star. Am I just being too hard on myself? Maybe that's the nerves. Who knows! Anyway, I'll give away a signed copy of Ecsatsy to one lucky person who comments on this blog in any way about anything. I could use the entertaqinment while time tick tocks away. Sigh....it only took me five minutes to write this. Now what will I do??

Hugs and kitties,
Jacki

I'm in Hell.

2008-12-07T13:10:00.001-05:00

A lot has gone on since the last time I blogged. The main focus of my life at the moment is food...or rather a lack thereof. And I don't think it's a situation that's going to change any time soon. I am currently on a liquid diet in preparation for my bariatric surgery. Today is day three and believe me, be very glad you don't live with me because boy howdy I am a bitch! Cranky as the day is long drinking these diet shakes and going postal if something so much as blinks at me the wrong way. I feel bad for my cats because they are the only critters around here at bitch central.

On the business end of things, ECSTASY is slated to hit the shelves December 30th. It's book one in my new series and I think you are going to enjoy it. And I am going to announce something here and now just to all of you all. I decided to wrap up things a little better in the Nightwalker series and am 1/3 of the way through book six. I wanted to stop at book five and deal with Ruth much later down the line, but the feedback from you all, my adoring readers, made me change my mind. Besides, I got this great idea! And, of course, we needed to give one last person a romance...just to teach her smart ass a lesson. Can you guess who it is?

I am in negotiations for a new contract, I am selling a series that has nothing to do with the Nightwalker world and a couple of novellas to boot. You won't see any of these for a year yet, but I thought you might want to know.

Back on the home front, one of my kitties had a seizure. It was awful. I have never seen anything like it. I was a total wreck! I've seen adults have seizures, and to me it was no big thing because I know it's temporary and it's not hurting them and all that other medical logic, but the minute it was one of my babies I was utterly hysterical. His blood work was basically normal when I took him to the vet the next day and now I have to bring him to a specialist just to check and make sure there's nothing else going on. Needless to say, I am a very overprotective mommy these days. Plus, I'm finding it hard to kick him off when he's up in my face and being a mooch for attention, even if I am working.

I am not getting much work done. I've discovered the World of Warcraft. Which is good, believe me. I need something to distract me from the hell of starving to death. And it's only going to get worse after the surgery! At least I get one sensible meal right now. After surgery its nothing but clear liquids for at least three weeks. You may ask why I am doing this to myself...the answer is simple. I want to live. In every sense of the word. Longevity wise and quality of life as well. I can barely walk across a store the way I am now and it's only getting worse. My joints have had it. Goddess only knows what I am doing to my heart. But even though I have my mind and heart and body set on this course, it doesn't preclude me being grumpy about it. But I'll hang in there. Just you wait and see.

Meanwhile, how are you all doing? Leave me a little feedback. I am expecting ARCs of RAPTURE, book 2 in the Shadowdwellers series, in a couple of weeks. Maybe I'll give something away to a commentor!

Hugs and kitties
Jacki

Howdy All!

2008-11-10T13:56:00.002-05:00

First order of business, someone who commented on my last blog has won a deck of Nightwalkers cards. PEIRCED FREAK, if you could send me your name and snail mail address to me in an email at jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com, I can send that deck off to you.

Well, I've been a writing fool lately. I am hardly popping my head up to say hi. But I am working on some great new stuff...non Nightwalker I'm afraid...but I am sure you'll love it just the same.

Now, to make sure you are paying attention...

I was watching True Blood yesterday. Le Sigh. I love this show!! I wish there was a Nightwalkers show like this. So that gave me an idea. I am going to give away an new ARC of Ecstasy to the person that thinks up the most clever title for a Nightwalkers show. Besides, of course, "The Nightwalkers". Leave your offering in the comments section. LEt's see how your brains work, hehehe.

Hey, would you watch a Nightwalkers show? Just curious.

Hugs and Kitties
Jacki

Signing!

2008-10-17T13:07:00.003-04:00

I have been totally lax. I wanted to let you all know that I am having a book signing! Here's the information :

November 1, 2008: Book Signing 1-3pm

Waldenbooks #0789
324 Columbia Place Mall
7201 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29223

I hope all of you who are local will come by and see me. :)

Woe and Damnation...yet in a happy way!

2008-10-15T16:02:00.002-04:00

I know. That's pretty confusing. But the thing is I am pretty confused as well. Or, I should say, suffering from mixed emotions.

I just came back from my first appointment with my bariatric surgeon and I walked out with my surgery date! January 6th, thank you very much, and thinness sits on the horizon, warmly beckoning me forth into its scrawny little embrace! Awww.

The bummer? I'm not allowed to travel for 6-8 weeks. I am supposed to go on the Florida Romance Writers' Cruise With Your Muse cruise January 22nd 23rd and 24th with my two best gfs and a bunch of other authors and fans and fun-loving people! Now I have to cancel. Oh and I was going to have a book signing in Coconut Grove after the cruise and I can't do that either. My friends are going to have to cruise without me while I am stuck home making other dreams come true.

And yes, I could have scheduled the operation post-cruise, but I have been waiting in line for this surgery since MAY and I am so not going to push back my turn. Not a full three weeks. I love fun in the sun as much as the next gal, but there isn't much fun in it for me anyway these days. My back and neck are screwed up, I'm tired all the time, I'm hauling around so much me it's exhausting.

So you can see why I am willing to nix going on this cruise in trade for starting my new life as a skinnier person. I am sorry to disappoint others, but I hope they understand. On a waiting list like this one to get one of the best surgeons in the states to do your surgery, you just don't say 'no' or 'maybe later' when your turn comes up. Besides, dreams of buying off the rack are already dancing in my head.

And then I want a boob job.

Hugs and Kitties
Jacki

The Voting Thing!

2008-10-07T14:09:00.002-04:00

I have three....count 'em THREE nominations for Best Paranormal romance in the Night Owl Reviews Awards!! Everybody quick! Run and vote for your favorite. Elijah, Damien and Noah!!! I am shamelessly and totally trolling for votes!!

Now, I promised a winner of an Ecstacy ARC on the Authors After Dark blog, and here you are:

Congratulations Kim (the wild two) on winning a copy of Ecstacy. Please email me your name and snailmail at jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com and writh I WON ECSTASY in the subject line :)

Don't forget that anyone can order a signed copy of any of my books from Fireside Books. We'll be putting a link up on each book page :)

And don't forget the voting thing!

Hugs and kitties!
Jacki

Chat Tonight

2008-09-09T18:48:00.002-04:00

For those of you who do not know, there is a chat tonight over at Coffee Time Romance. I'll be live and in person with Stella Price and Cynthia Eden from 9 to 10 PM. I hope to see you there since I'm going to be giving away a full signed set of my books to some lucky winner. :) All You need to do is be present to win and perhaps answer one of my tricky trivia questions. You know how I can be sometimes. And I bet the other ladies will be giving away some stuff as well. You really can't lose!! Just follow this LINK to the chatroom, type in a name and voila! You're good to go. You might want to test it out beforehand though to make certain all your java is up to date and all that. Hope to see you there!!

Hugs and Kitties
Jacki

Light My Fire!

2008-08-29T10:45:00.002-04:00

Woohoo! I just got two boxes of shiny new copies of NOAH!!

So of course that means I have to give one or two away. Yay! Contests! I love contests!

Oh, speaking of...I have a winner for my Spanish version of JACOB. Mariana A, if you would please send me your full address (or your mom's since you said it was for her) and who to sign the book to to jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com I will get JACOB out to you. :)

Now, back to NOAH. If you want 500 plus pages of charbroiled goodness, all you have to do is send me a photo of NOAH on the shelf of your local store! Now see, that has to be the easiest contest I've ever held. :P Just send the photo to jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com. The contest ends next Friday. I'll give one copy to a random entrant and one copy to the prettiest picture I get. Hehehe.

Have fun!

Hugs and Kitties
Jacki

Check Please!

2008-08-20T00:44:00.002-04:00

It's well past time for me to check in with you all. I know I have been terribly quiet, but keep in mind that silence usually means I'm writing up a storm. That is certainly the case at the moment. I can't say on what or who or where or anything like that...and even if I could I wouldn't hehehe...but it is never my goal to disappoint you. So rest assured, it's going to be GOOD.

Some housekeeping...ahem...if you would like to pre-order an autographed copy of NOAH, I am signing all pre-ordered stock through Fireside Books and they will ship to anywhere in the world. The King is here at last and we are going to celebrate with a huge PAR-TAY at Fireside Books on the release date, Sept. 2nd, from 5-7 pm! Or later if it runs that way, heh. I believe they are holding a contest and the winning fan gets to have dinner with moi afterward. I thought it was a great idea. Contact them if you are local and want to take a crack at it! But if you can't make it, you can get a signed book anyway :)

Another 'in person' event is the book signing at Lora Leigh's RAW this year. It's at a hotel this time. Right HERE. That site has all the information, including the times for the book fair (Sunday the 21st!). You can get signed copies of Noah there or I'll be happy to sign my backlist as well. :)

Okie doke, now you can't say I didn't warn you about the up and coming live me. Not that I'm all that exciting, but it could be fun ;) !!

Guess what I am looking at? No c'mon, guess! Hardcover editions of JACOB in ESPANOL! Yay!! Jacob has been fully translated into Spanish! Now, for my beloved Latinas, I absolutely have to give a copy of this away. Anyone who writes me at jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com and puts the word Spanish in the topic of your email gets a chance at convincing me why I ought to pick YOU to win this gorgeous edition. I'll give you all a week to work on it :) Oh, non-Latinas can enter as well. No discriminating here.

I guess that's it for now. I gotta go get back to work! Or bed. One of those! Hehehe.
Adios!
Abrazos y Gatitos
Jacki

Scatterings of Thoughts

2008-07-20T17:36:00.006-04:00

I wanted everyone to know that I am mailing out baskets and books to the winners this Monday. Unfortunately time has gotten the better of me once again and I am sorry for the delay. I have one basket winner who also has not gotten in touch with me and hasn't given her address to me.

Dominique Harris, can you please email me at jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com or if someone here knows Dominique from this board or another please tell her she won and I need her info!!

I admit, I am overwhelmed lately. Things seem to keep coming at me in huge waves and I am trying to ride them out. There is nothing traumatic really, but everything feels very intense because it keeps rushing at and over me all at once and I feel like I can't get my feet under me. Part of the problem is my jackass shrink screwed with my medication and it made a basket case out of me. Plus I fired him for being, well, a jackass. I started writing a new book, then Bianca showed up. Then my personal assistant, who was a live-in here at the house with her hubby, moved out suddenly. I lean on her so much and I feel a little lost without her immediately at hand. I am hoping things level out. I need a little breather.

I think I have overextended myself in a lot of ways both professional and personal. I spread myself too thin...I've lost track of commitments (destroying my laptop by falling asleep with hot cocoa in my hands didn't help) and am afraid I have forgotten a few things along the way. I hope I haven't let anyone down. After the mailing this Monday I should be all caught up at last, my laptop is all fixed and I finally have my schedule back in hand. Phew.

I wanted to remind you guys I have two appearances coming up very soon. Despite my better judgment and my fears about doing a signing close to home, I agreed to do one at Fireside Books. Here is the address.

Fireside Books & Gifts

2270 Hwy 74A Byp., Ste. 509

Forest City, NC 28043

(828)245-5188

The date of the event is from 5pm to 7pm September 2nd the debut date of Noah! I will be signing copies of Noah for all comers and I hope to do a reading for you as well. Please don't leave me hanging alone!! It's a party to celebrate the release and I hope you come! Plus the incredible Kay Hooper, whom I worship, is potentially going to show up that day. You have to watch me go gaga over her. LOL! I am hoping that a bunch of us can go out to dinner afterward...so if you hang around long enough you might get swept along.

Then there is the wonderfully fun RAW event thrown by Lora Leigh. You will see that posted in my news and events section. Sunday September 21st from noon to four, EST, at the Pullman Plaza 1001 Third Avenue Huntington, WV 25701 1-866-613-3611 in the Mezzanine area for the open to the public book signing and I would love to see anyone of you show up that day. It promises to be fun.

I have been waiting for a website update for you guys...something fun we came up with to show you the excerpts for Damien and for Noah. Please be patient and check in here. I'll tell you when the challenge is up for you to take :)

Anyway, time for pizza with B. Talk to you guys soon.
hugs and kitties
Jacki

Against the Law

2008-07-15T02:42:00.002-04:00

Well, I wasn't going to take time to write until after Bianca had arrived and settled in (my ward and daughter of my heart for those not in the know) for the summer....however I had an experience today I absolutely felt the need to share. I'm not whining or bitching or anything, but I am flabbergasted and utterly appalled.

To cut to the chase, I was a witness to the most blatant and stupefying in-this-day-and-age act of discrimination I've ever seen. It was utterly shameless.

My personal assistant and her husband of her heart are looking for an apartment or house to rent. The woman said right off that she wanted a nice clean couple, no drinking no drugs, that sort of nonsense was not welcome. Understandable. Landlords do have to be discerning. She said she didn't run credit checks and didn't have time for all that nonsense and we should have known then that it was a too-good-to-be-true situation. Just the same they drove out to see the little farmhouse for rent and I figured I would go with them to be a live and in person reference. Anything to help the kids out. Despite going through some ups and downs of life lately, these two are good young people, in their thirties, holding down good jobs. One is ex-navy and the other is by far one of the best women I have ever come to know. Dedicated, loyal and fiercely protective of what she loves, I find those all to be great qualities.

We caught on right away, moments after arriving, that she was a seriously Christian woman. Okay. No problem. But we did make sure to park and drive so my "Get a Taste of Religion: LICK A WITCH" bumper sticker wasn't seen. Not that I care for myself, but knowing how narrowminded some people down South have proven to be about that sort of thing (already someone tried to deface this same sticker by crossing out LICK and writing in PRAY FOR...not to mention how often Ryanne gets accosted when she runs errands...so forgive me for being leery) we had Greg do a body block of the sticker at one point. Heh. So not funny, but certainly shake your head and laugh so you don't lose perspective. Regardless, I didn't want them being penalized for my beliefs.

I should have known this was a losing battle though when after looking at the cute little farmhouse in question we sat down to this woman's idea of an interview. Right out the gate...she began to preach to us. I get irked when people try to force their beliefs on me, but I kept very calm by tuning her out and humming "The Christians and the Pagans" in my head. It reminds me to be tolerant. I think it was a reasonable tactic to curb my own impulses toward intolerance. I don't hate Christians. I don't think ill of them in the least. I find all religions beautiful in their own way. Unfortunately, there are too many out there that can't say the same. She quoted the bible and, in order to be conversational, I quoted it right back. She lit up like a Christmas tree...until I told her I wasn't a Christian. Then it was "Oh. Well, I want to talk to you about that one day." (Read: Preach and try and force you to think like I do) But that was okay. I was there for other things and just figured I wouldn't be visiting my friends too often if they ended up hanging around this woman. The goal here was to obtain the cute little farmhouse for my friends.

But I daresay when the topic came up about what I write, she was just delighted by my success...until I told her they were Demons. She adopted a look like I'd stuck a poker up her ass. But hey. That's cool. Everyone has a right to like or dislike me. Like or dislike my books. Whatever their reasons. (I already lost a born-again friend because of the nature of my work. I realized then that I wasn't the one with the problem and that moment was no different.)

Mind you I am not bashing Christians. Everything I am saying is to set you up for the kill...the twist in my story. The turn you don't expect.

So she is grilling my friends about things that, frankly, I felt was often going over the line. You have to expose yourself to gain a rental home to some degree, but this was getting a little too personal and had no bearing on the business at hand that I could see. Then, it happens. She starts to ask them about their marriage. (Okay so I am leaving out the part where she bashed cats for ten minutes...and no, i didn't sit there and agree with her. I love my friends, but I won't do that for anyone.) Back to the marriage thing. When were you married? What date? Where?

Excuse me?

WTF???

Tell me what that has to do with a rental deal. Please. Someone. Anyone.

Being honest, Ryanne says, "Actually, we had a commitment ceremony. I was in a bad marriage for years and--"

"What?? You're not married? Oh honey, I don't rent to unwed couples!"
And then she proceeds to tell us that 'cohabitation' between unwed couples is against the law in North Carolina. That landlords are breaking the law when they rent to them.

There was a clang as my jaw hit the floor. Ryanne starts to bristle, starts to explain again why she won't legally marry anyone ever again. The woman actually says "It's real cheap you know. Doesn't cost you hardly anything."

"Until the divorce," I said, getting to my feet. As far as I saw, this was the end of the interview. Anyone who thinks they can say something like that and get away with it...well...there's no reasoning with them and I wasn't about to let my friends talk her around it in what would amount to groveling. I managed to keep my tongue, but I was horrified and I was so offended on behalf of my wounded friends. Their devastation, their shock and their outrage was palpable. We tried to laugh it off, but there was no way around it. This woman had just discriminated against my friends based upon their familial status.

And btw, NC State Law and the fair housing act says that no one may be discriminated against for age, race, sex, religion, or familial status. This woman had treated them like they were trash. Dirt. Lower than methheads in full tweak.

I told them to sue the bitch.

Raffle WINNERS!!

2008-06-28T18:54:00.006-04:00

And the winners of the fabulous raffle baskets are as follows!!

The BBQ basket goes to BROOKE Neilissen!

The Sinful Shadowdweller basket goes to Dominique Harris

The Freakin Fantastic Basket is for Stacey Lindsay

The breathtaking Queen Siena necklace and all the books included goes to Meshelle Dominnguez!

The spectacular Princess necklace goes to Renee Meyer!

Congrats to all my winners! And thank you from every corner of my heart for being so generous. I made my goal and then some. I am going to revel in handing this check over...you have no idea!
All winners please e-mail me your snail mail address using the subject line to name your prize (so I know what you won), wait one week for me to finish my manuscript then I will ship out the books and such. Thos who won actual baskets will get that part of the deal before the rest comes, no doubt, since I am sending books media mail in order to save more money for the kittehs and puppehs!

Congratulations to all my good friends and fabulous fans for reaching out and winning with every single ticket you bought in ways you may never fully comprehend. ACN and I thank you so very much.

Spotlight:: The Lycanthrope/Vampire Princess's Necklace!

2008-06-27T19:42:00.008-04:00

Here we are at almost the last day of ticket sales for my raffle baskets and two are sold out and the third and fourth are so close behind!! The one that isn't selling so much is the one I am spotlighting tonight and I want you to know I am SO not settling for that. So...I saved all my best for the very last! Best jewelry, yes, but by far the BEST books you ever saw in one basket! Brimming with Brava, Aphrodisia, and Kensington authors as well as others...(can you say Yasmine Galenorn? I knew that you could!!) this is going to be the best three bucks you could ever spend in order to reward both yourself and the animals of ACN! I am determined to reach goal, people. So help me out!!

Let's start with the pretty little bauble...Syreena's collar. Made by the ever-so-talented Serena from www.serenedreaming.com and fashioned of pure moonstones of varying color, a gorgeously designed medallion as the center point, it is 15.5 inches long making an excellent choker but also a pretty drop into the hollow of the throat if you don't want or like it so tight. As seen in this picture of Laura wearing it at the Romantic Times convention.

Now....woman cannot live by necklace alone, so I have STUFFED the basket with our second favorite thing...BOOKS!! Books galore!

Featuring:

YASMINE GALENORN

Synopsis

Meet the D'Artigo sisters: half-human, half-faerie, they're savvy-and sexy-operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But their mixed-blood heritage short-circuits their talents at all the wrong times. Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she's stressed. Menolly's a vampire who's still trying to get the hang of being undead. And Camille is a wicked-good witch, except her magic's as unpredictable as the weather, as her enemies are about to find out-the hard way.

Publishers Weekly

The first in an engrossing new series about conflict in the magic modern world as told by the half-human, half-Faerie D'Artigo sisters the latest from Galenorn (One Hex of a Wedding) is a whimsical reminder of fantasy's importance in everyday life. Narrator Camille is a good witch with unpredictable powers who runs a Seattle bookstore while working as an Otherworld Intelligence operative, sent Earthside to keep an eye on things. When an operative from the Wayfaerer, a human/Faerie hangout, is killed, Camille springs into action with her sisters Delilah, a werecat, and Menolly, a freshly minted vampire. Tracing the murder back to evil demon leader Shadow Wing, the sisters find evidence of a far-reaching plot, but the Otherworld Intelligence Agency offers no help, stifled by bureaucratic red tape and a nasty Otherworld battle. Galenorn's gallery of rogues is an imaginative delight, each species and personality carefully crafted. Though the plot can drag, effusive characters and pretty writing ("I whispered, and the stars heard me from behind their cloud cover and answered") will lead readers through to the much-anticipated final battle. (Oct.)

Now comes Changeling-again featuring Camille, the good witch, Menolly, the vampire, and Delilah, a feline shapeshifter. They're the D'Artigo sisters, half-human, half-Faerie supernatural agents who are now enlisted to find the fiends responsible for slaughtering the weres of Rainier Puma Pride.

The D'Artigo sisters, Camille, Delilah, and Menolly, are half-human, half- Fae operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. When humans begin to go missing, then turn up as newly born vampires, Menolly- an acrobat extraordinaire-turned-vampire- must face the demons haunting her memories.

Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden

SYNOPSIS

Emily Drake’s patients tend to be a little unusual. Instead of the typical therapist’s caseload of midlife crises and mother fixations, Emily treats vampires with blood phobias and sex demons looking for meaningful relationships. But her gift for recognizing and healing the Other–those creatures of the night that most humans don’t even know exist–requires a few house rules. First: Never trust a shifter. Especially not one like Detective Colin Gyth, whose gold-flecked eyes and predatory air make Emily realize how much she’s been longing to lose control.

Colin can’t believe the doctor he’s been assigned to work with on the Night Butcher murder investigation is the one person who could expose his true identity as a wolf shifter. Smart, sexy, and stubborn as hell, Emily brings out the alpha male in Colin, unleashing a wild, heady desire that takes them both over the edge.

But in the shadows, the Night Butcher waits…eager to spill Emily’s blood and taste her terror. And he’ll use any means to destroy her, including the one person she has grown to trust…

Superb and Sexy by Jill Shalvis:

Synopsis

When you want to fly the best, you fly Sky High Air. And when you want spectacular adventure and scorching seduction, Jill Shalvis's tantalizing, talented pilots Noah, Shayne, and Brody will get you there-fast, slow, or any way you want it.

BUCKLE UP. IT'S GOING TO BE QUITE A RIDE.

Despite his brooding bad-boy attitude, Brody knows life has treated him pretty well. His luxury charter airline, Sky High, has given him financial security and the means to take to the skies whenever things on the ground get complicated. And lately, things have become very complicated, thanks to the insanely passionate, or perhaps just insane, kiss he shared with Sky High's gorgeous, wisecracking concierge, Maddie. He's tried to keep his distance, but now Maddie desperately needs help, and it's triggering protective alpha-male urges Brody didn't even know he had.

For months, Maddie hid her crush on sexy, exasperating Brody behind a cool, kick-ass exterior and then blew that to smithereens by jumping him in the lobby. Yeah, real smooth. She's tried to break her ties with Sky High, but Brody won't let her walk away-especially now that he knows that Maddie and her twin sister Leena are in big-time trouble. To save Leena, Maddie and Brody must pose as husband and wife, and Maddie is amazed that the man she thought was oblivious to her existence knows her very well indeed. But that's nothing compared to the way she's about to get to know him-intimately, in depth, and over and over again.

And some Aphrodisia!!

Sweet and Sinful by Jodi Lynn Copeland

She's On Top by Susan Lyons

Synopsis

They call themselves the Awesome Foursome-four girlfriends who share everything except their men. Three have found the ultimate in lust and love and now it's Rina's turn.

PLAY ME

Music is Rina Goldberg's passion and she can never forget the sensual rhapsody she experienced in the arms of Giancarlo, her first lover. Ten years later, Giancarlo is sexier and more romantic than ever. His masterful fingers still know how to create the most intimate melody of pleasure and he understands every nuance of a woman's sensuality. And Rina is the only woman he wants. Their passionate encore takes her to a glorious, unforgettable climax and there's more where that came from. Much more.

Black Silk by Sharon Page

Synopsis

DANGEROUS SEDUCTION

Maryanne Hamilton had expected to be shocked, but the wanton orgy she finds in Mrs. Master's salon makes her wonder if she has walked into hell. Desperate to escape, she comes upon the master of sin himself-Lord Swansborough. Fascinated by his nakedness, she longs to touch every inch of his long, hard body. And when he bids her come near, she quickly surrenders to his wicked promises of carnal pleasure and sensual ecstasy.

And any other damn book I come across will get thrown in as well. So buy tickets!!!

Now, about a little thing called my MARATHON CHAT taking place this Saturday!! Woowoo!

Here's the roster I have...and don't forget that every last one of these ladies is giving away their latest and greatest works during their hour in the sun!! So simply show up to the party on Saturday by going to my website and clicking on VISIT THE CHAT ROOM on the top of the forum page.

My lovely guests :)

10:00 – 11:00: Patrice Michelle

11:00 - 12:00: Alexandra Ivy

12:00 - 1:00: Gena Showalter

1:00 - 2:00: JJ Massa

2:00 - 3:00 Lauren Dane

3:00-4:00 HelenKay Dimon

4:00-5:00 Lara Adrian

5:00-6:00: Cynthia Eden

6:00-7:00: Jeri Smith Ready

7:00-8:00: Meljean Brook

8:00-9:00: Shelly Laurenston

9:00 - 10:00: Yasmine Galenorn

All right? Now shut up and buy tickets! (Hehehe can you tell I am addicted to Deadliest Catch??)

Spotlight:: The Queen's Necklace

2008-06-26T20:42:00.008-04:00

First, I have to start by saying that the BBQ basket and the Jacki Frank Freakin' Fantastic Basket are both SOLD OUT!! YAY!!!! If you sent money for tickets for that basket I have emailed you asking where else you would like it put.

Now, to continue so we can sell out all the remaining prizes before Saturday!!

The Lycanthrope Queen's Necklace!

Designed by the ever talented Serena from www.serenedreaming.com, this is a one of a kind piece designed by her with my guidance for the representation of Siena the Lycanthrope Queen's necklace.

Serena used real moonstones in this piece, a gorgeous milky blue and white color the way I always dreamed they should be. I am including pictures of my GF's Tanya and Laura wearing the necklaces at one of this year's Romantic Times convention's costume balls.

Serena learned how to chain link just for these two pieces. How's that for dedication to the truth of my vision?? This is why she will always do my pieces for me from now on. In fact, Serena is working on pieces for me right now that I will be wearing to the RAW Masquerade at Lora Leigh's shindig! And every time I mention Serena's name here you can click on it and see a new and fascinating piece of her jewelry. :)

This piece is a 16 inch choker...adjustable to smaller as needed.

More pics:

This is Tanya wearing the Queen's collar.

And Laura wearing the Princess's collar :)

Now....woman cannot live by necklace alone, so I have STUFFED the basket with our second favorite thing...BOOKS!! Books galore! Including Ready, Willing, and And Able from the FABULOUS and generous Lucy Monroe. I spotlighted one of those in a previous basket, but this is the whole set. And also:

Noelle Mack:

WILD:

1st in the sexy steamy series!

Synopsis

Kyril. Marko. Semyon. Brothers like no other, sworn to lead the Pack of St. James and defend the English crown, though the blood of Russian wolves runs in their veins. In 1815, every woman in London has heard of their legendary passion for seduction-but no one knows of the supernatural powers that raise them far above the ranks of mortal men.

DANGEROUS LOVER

In pursuit of a priceless treasure stolen from his homeland, Kyril commands the Pack to gather in secret. A rash act by one woman-one extraordinary woman, the sensual and utterly alluring Vivienne Sheridan--has put their ancient clan in peril. He vows to find her-and find out her every secret--before it is too late.

Hidden in a ruined mansion, concealed by the shadows of a moonlit night, Vivienne comes forth, drawn to Kyril by a mysterious magic she is unable to resist. In his powerful embrace, Vivienne senses the wild nature beneath his gentlemanly fa‡ade--and she surrenders to his intimate touch. Whatever he wants, she will give.with all the passion of a woman mesmerized...

Praise for Noelle Mack and her novels.

"Hot sex.sizzling and innovative."—Romantic Times on JUICY, a Top Pick! 4 /12 star review

"A truly sensual story that will titillate and captivate readers."—Romantic Times, four-star review of THREE

"The queen of seduction meets the king of rakes. Sensual, sexual, stupendous."—-Harriet Klausner Reviews on THREE

WANTON:

This book has yet to be released!!!

Synopsis

Kyril. Marko. Semyon. Brothers like no other, sharing an ancient blood bond and descent from Russian wolves. Sworn to lead the Pack of St. James and defend the English crown, their seductive charm is legendary among the women of London. But no one knows of the supernatural powers that raise them far above the ranks of mortal men. In WANTON, the second book of her compelling trilogy, Noelle Mack presents Marko's story.

A DANGEROUS PLEASURE

In the year 1816, the Pack of St. James meets in secret in their London lair. An unknown assailant has begun to prey upon the women who consort with the men of the Pack-two have already died in mysterious ways and a poisoned communication threatens still more. With Kyril Taruskin and his love Vivienne away in the far north, attending to the clan's business in the Russian port of Archangel, his brother Marko begins to investigate-and finds the trail leads to a scandalous beauty known only as Severin.

One of the victims was Severin's half-sister, but that alone is not enough to explain her intimate knowledge of the strange case. Well aware how a clever woman can hide more than she reveals, Marko employs all his powers of sensual persuasion, barely able to resist the allure of her amber eyes and softly seductive voice. He has never been outwitted by a woman. But Severin is different from all the rest-very different-and loving her is a dangerous game indeed.

Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden!

Newly released!

Synopsis

Two of paranormal romance's bestselling authors combine their extraordinary talents and set the pages on fire with an after-dark anthology featuring Alpha males so hot, so wild, and so bad, they may just be the best you've ever had...

SHELLY LAURENSTON

Miss Congeniality

It's those damn stockings that get me every time. They have this sexy little line down the back and I can't help but stare at her legs ... constantly. And you'd think she'd be all over me like every other female in the Seattle area. I'm young, good looking, and one day I'll be Alpha Male of my family's Pack. But Professor Irene Conridge acts like I don't even exist. How is that possible? Now she's got enemies coming out of the woodwork and I have to protect her. Why? Because that's the kind of man I am. Yes, I am that amazing. Of course, it doesn't hurt that while I work to secure her safety, she'll be hanging out at my house. That's hours ... days even that I've got Irene Conridge right where I want her.

CYNTHIA EDEN

Wicked Ways

I'm too dangerous for her. I know it, but I can't get my sexy new neighbor out of my head. When I hear her scream one night, the absolute last thing I expect to see is Miranda Shaw-star of my hottest fantasies-being attacked by a vampire. Now the undead jerk is after her, and I'm the only thing standing between the beautiful lady and a killer who just won't stop. Well, too bad for him, because that vamp has just made the worst mistake of his afterlife-he's tangled with a shifter. And Miranda, well, she's so busy watching out for him that she won't see me closing in on her-not until it's too late-and I'm about to show her just how wild I can get.

Plus Jill Shalvis, more Cynthia Eden, and Susan Johnson...and more!

This is easily 60 to 70 dollars in books! All for a three dollar ticket. You can't beat beefing up your TSPB collection for a price like that!

Spotlight:: Jacquelyn Frank Freakin' Fantastic Basket

2008-06-25T11:29:00.005-04:00

Hello again! I don't mean to flood you guys with blogs, but ...well, okay...I do mean to. But that's because of how important this is to me. I wanted to spotlight the next basket but keep in mind, Kensington just donated a buttload of books that I am spreading out across the board! Whatever you see posted is just the beginning as far as books go.

This cordial assortment of Godiva milk chocolate coca, sesame crackers, Portlock smoked salmon, Ghirardelli coffee, Mrs. May's strawberry cashew crunch, herb cheese mix, Sorrento candies, Ahmad tea, sour cherry drops, pickled green asparagus, whole olives, caramel cookies, Brown and Haley almond roca, Mamma Mellace's cinnamon roasted cashews and matching serving dish fill this embossed burgundy tin. The variety in this basket guarantees there will be something for everyone.

And, of course that's not all! the ENTIRE Nightwalkers series, beginning to end and signed by me personally to you! That includes a NOAH ARC.

But how about a list of those random Brava and Aphrodisia books? Let's start with:

Shannon McKenna

Synopsis

EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE...

Surveillance expert Seth Mackey knows everything about the women that his millionaire boss toys with -- and tosses aside. Raine Cameron is something different. Night after night, Seth watches her on a dozen different video screens. Her vulnerable beauty haunts him and her fresh innocence stirs a white-hot passion that he can barely control. Raine is pure temptation, but Seth has something more important to take care of first. He's convinced that his boss, Victor Lazar, is responsible for his half-brother's murder. He cannot put his secret investigation at risk, but he can't stop wanting her -- craving her -- and soon he knows he can't let Victor have her. For Raine may be Victor's next victim...

EVERT BREATH YOU TAKE

Raine knows she's being watched -- but no one can see the secrets in her heart. She has reasons of her own to seek revenge on Victor Lazar, and she will, despite her fear -- and the distracting presence of Seth Mackey. Though Raine has little experience with men, Seth's fiercely masculine good looks and animal sensuality stir her most erotic fantasies when she's alone...and lead her to a bold plan. Offering her body to him, surrendering totally to his ruthless desire might well push her beyond all emotional limits -- and beyond fear itself.

Synopsis

Shannon McKenna's first thriller, Behind Closed Doors, brought readers a passionate, intense hero like no other: Seth Mackey. His dark sensuality and thirst for revenge concealed the secrets of his past -- secrets that only his mysterious partner, Connor McCloud, understood. Like Seth, Connor has been scarred by betrayal and tested by searing desire -- for a woman who tempts him beyond reason...a woman who is now the bait in a deadly trap Connor is unable to resist....

Ex-FBI agent Connor McCloud can never forget the day he was set up to die at the hands of trusted friend and fellow agent Ed Riggs. Hard justice and loyalty to his badge have cost Connor what he wants most -- Ed's shy, studious daughter Erin. He can never have her now, but her beauty still haunts and torments his every waking hour and his most fevered erotic dreams. But now that his old enemy Kurt Novak has returned, Connor is prepared to do anything to protect the vulnerable young woman from a killer who has vowed a brutal payback...a killer with a predator's lethal patience.

Erin has been harboring secret fantasies about Connor McCloud since she first laid eyes on him -- but that was before his testimony sent her father to jail. Her world is falling apart and it's all she can do to hold her family together. But now Connor is knocking on her door, telling her she needs his protection, whether she wants it or not. He won't give up and he won't stay away. He's sworn to guard her life with his own and his fierce protectiveness awakens long-buried feelings -- and a fiery sexuality deep within her soul...

Susan Johnson

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Johnson comes a tantalizing new novel of hidden secrets and passionate desires.

UNTITLED

Hugh D'Abernon, Marquis of Darley, was in Sevastopol for one reason only— to reconnoiter the town for the British Secret Service. So if he encounters a woman of unparalleled beauty in need of his help, he will do his duty and smartly escort her back to town-then continue on his way. He will not consider being diverted from the task at hand. No matter how tempting the lady.

Aurore Clement was unaccustomed to being so susceptible to a man's good looks. From afar, it was simple enough to be prudent, but in close proximity to this handsome Tatar, it was quite a different matter. She would have to keep her distance and focus on more important concerns-like her work with the French command and caring for her wounded brother, a soldier with French forces.

But Hugh and Aurore both have reasons for wanting to escape the reality of this fearsome war. And when the two meet again, there is no stopping the fierce passion that ignites between them...

"Susan Johnson knows how to make the pages sizzle."—Romantic Times

There. That's what I have (I am saving some of the better ones for the necklaces since they are selling out the slowest!!)

Good Luck!!

Hugs and kitties

JAcki

PS: Don't forget about the marathon chat!! This Saturday!!

Spotlight:: The Sinful Shadowdwellers Basket!

2008-06-23T13:28:00.013-04:00

This luxurious gift basket is filled with Godiva dark chocolate almonds and pretzels, milk chocolate cashews, sesame crackers, cabernet black pepper cheese spread, Mariani dried fruit mix, white chocolate amaretto cookies, olives, Mrs. May's cranberry almond crunch, assorted Lindt hazelnut, peanut butter and dark chocolate truffles, fresh baked thank you cookie, toffee wafers, serving dish and more. A great way to recognize those who have helped.

More details on basket contents:
Berry bonbons, 50z. Brown and Haley buttercrunch toffee cookies, 3oz. Brown and Haley cashew Roca, 2 pieces. Cheese Spread, "Cabernet Wine and black pepper" cheese wedge, 3.75oz. Ghiradelli Cocoa, double chocolate. Ghiradelli Coffee, 2oz. Lady Whalton's White Chocolate Amaretto, 1pc. Mama Mellace's Cinnamon Roasted Cashews, 2oz. Mariani Fruit Medley, 1.9oz. Ahmad Tea, 10. Bali's Best Latte Candy, 3oz. California PAntry Crackers, sesame, 2oz. Monaco "Thank You" cookie, 2.5oz. Mrs. May's cashews, 4oz. Napa Valley Whole Olives, Dry weight 4.6oz. Baptiata's chili citrus flat crisps, 5oz.

Yummers!!

Now I am also including...you guessed it...books!

The Bad Boys Guide to the Galaxy by Karen Kelley.

This book won't be released until July!!

Synopsis

Take me to your leader. Come to think of it, just take me.

Planet Nerak was perfect-no disease, no darkness, no hunger-until an expedition to Earth brought back an unwanted guest. Enter one talented Nerakian named Lara, sent on a special fact-finding mission in the vast region called Texas. Fortunately, a warrior (he calls himself a "cop") named Sam Jones has offered to help. Unfortunately, Sam's skill at sex is quite distracting-as are plenty other earthly delights, like the dangerously addictive substance called chocolate. Temptations such as these could seriously compromise Lara's-ahem-research...

Crazy, that's what Sam is. What sane man would voluntarily isolate himself in the Texas woods with an alien, not to mention a female one with a superiority complex, legs that won't quit, and a penchant for walking around buck naked? Between bragging about her home planet and levitating, Lara wastes no time getting on Sam's last nerve...and even less time getting into his bed. Talk about going where no man has gone before. Of course, when you're from Texas, nothing-not even an entire planet-is going to stop you from getting what you want.

"Fun and romantic with the perfect blend of spice!"—Gina Showalter on Close Encounters Of The Sexy Kind

Also:

Willing by Lucy Monroe

Part two of the Ready Willing and Able series by the talent Miss Lucy!

Synopsis

They’re the good guys fighting the bad guys. They’ll get the job done -- if the price is right and so is the cause. Meet three sexy men who individually are READY, WILLING, and ABLE to go the distance -- and together, are unstoppable...

Josie McCall has been raised to be a soldier, and she could be the best -- if she wanted it. Instead, she left her dad’s mercenary school behind for a normal job in computers. But now that someone has torched the school and her dad is MIA from the hospital, Josie’s going to use every bit of her merc training to find him and hunt down the culprits who took him. Josie knows a lot about explosives, hand-to-hand combat, and tracking. What she doesn’t know about is sex. She has no idea what to do with the volcanic attraction she feels for her dad’s new partner, Daniel Black Eagle. And that feels more dangerous than any bomb...

Daniel knows exactly what he’d like to do about that attraction. The brooding explosives expert can’t get within five feet of Josie without wanting to touch, taste, and protect her -- even if he’s sure she would happily drop-kick him if she knew one sizzling moment of his fantasies. But he’ll save it for later. Right now, he’s got his hands full figuring out who set that bomb and took Josie’s dad. Daniel’s sure of one thing, though -- he’s not letting Josie McCall out of his sight for a single second. Convincing the cutest, most desirable trained soldier he’s ever met that she needs a bodyguard isn’t going to be easy. But if she’ll let him, he’ll show her he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and along the way, he’ll make her feel every inch a woman...

Oregon author Lucy Monroe’s books have hit national bestsellers lists in both the US and England. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten. Lucy’s books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all. Visit her Web site at www.lucymonroe.com and read about all her upcoming books, or e-mail her at lucymonroe@lucymonroe.com.

Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden

SYNOPSIS

But in the shadows, the Night Butcher waits…eager to spill Emily’s blood and taste her terror. And he’ll use any means to destroy her, including the one person she has grown to trust…

I have TWO of this book :) I am going to put the other one in the BBQ basket cuz its "HOT!" lol!!!

Here is a list of other books featured in this basket:

Noelle Mack:

And Shannon McKenna, Cynthia Eden again and Shelly Laurensten!

But you will also be the VERY VERY first to be promised an ARC of the first book in my new series! The first Shadowdwellers book ECSTASY arrives in January of '09, but three months before then I will be getting ARCs and you will be the first to get one! And of course a deck of my infamous Nightwalker cards in NOAH colors. :)

Now, about a little thing called my MARATHON CHAT taking place this Saturday!! Woowoo!

Here's the roster I have so far. Any blank hours will be filled by MOI, though I am hoping to get one more response :)...and every last one of these ladies is giving away their latest and greatest works during their hour in the sun!! So simply show up to the party on Saturday by going to my website and clicking on VISIT THE CHAT ROOM on the top of the forum page.

My lovely guests :)

10:00 – 11:00: Patrice Michelle

11:00 - 12:00: Alexandra Ivy

12:00 - 1:00: Gena Showalter

1:00 - 2:00: JJ Massa

2:00 - 3:00 Lauren Dane

3:00-4:00 HelenKay Dimon

4:00-5:00 Lara Adrian

5:00-6:00: Cynthia Eden

6:00-7:00: TBA

7:00-8:00: Meljean Brook

8:00-9:00: Shelly Laurenston

9:00 - 10:00: Yasmine Galenorn

Spotlight:: Fire Demon BBQ Basket

2008-06-21T02:43:00.010-04:00

Good morning! Today we start my version of the Shopping Network! I wanted to showcase, in great detail, each of the baskets up for raffle over the next few days. Remember, the kitties and puppies are depending on me to lure you all in my web...and since I am drawing on June 28th during my marathon chat, I haven't got much time to coax you to help me.

I thought I could make each basket increasingly tempting as well. Don't get complacent. Though I have a nice start, I am still a long way off from matching the donation from last time...and even further than that from my dream of doubling it.

The basket itself is adorable, as you can see by the picture. To relist the contents:

This sizzling summer classic is perfect for the weekend griller or barbecue enthusiast. A durable barbecue apron, oven mitt, shish kebab basket, wooden skewers, corn holders to hold four corn on the cob and four sturdy bamboo paper plate holders are welcome additions for both the griller and their guest. Barbecue basting brushes, barbecue sauce and wine-aged grilling chips, will turn a casual barbecue into a gourmet feast. Chili citrus flats, mozzarella cheese swirls and more round out this assortment, packed in a large jute basket.

Below is a detailed accounting of the basket contents:

Baptista’s Mozzarella Cheese swirls. (3 oz) Cabernet and Black Pepper cheese wedge (3.75 oz), Mama Mellace’s Cinnamon Roasted Cashews (2 oz), Wood BBQ Grilling Chips (8 oz), Baptista’s Chili Citrus Flat Crisps (5 oz), Brazos Legends Stampede BBQ Sauce (12oz) Mrs. May’s Cranberry Almond Crunch (1.5 oz) Napa Valley Whole Olives (4.6 oz), Napa Valley Stone Ground Mustard (7 oz), BBQ Bamboo Paper Plate holder, BBQ Sausage Grill Basket, BBQ Cloth Apron Khaki, BBQ Plastic corn holders, BBQ Mittens, BBQ brushes, BBQ Wooden Bamboo Skewers, dark wood handled cheese knife.

Now, that's just the basket. Which, btw, you can have sent anywhere in the United States. I'll even fill out the card for you if you prefer to give it as a gift. I am shipping it directly from the manufacturer of the basket and separately from what comes with it. What comes with it? Why, one red hot Fire Demon. An advance copy of NOAH!

Now I know you think that is enough, but I don't think so. Since I posted the original blog I have been working on expanding each basket in order to make it more and more tempting for you. In the case of this particular basket I got a bunch of books for ya!

I thought that besides NOAH (picture and blurb below) I would throw in a little HelenKay Dimon. She is a fellow Kensington author and just the titles of her books get me all hot and bothered!! I am going to include HARD AS NAILS and RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW in the basket. They aren't signed, I'm sorry to say. But HARD AS NAILS hasn't even been released yet, and won't be until June 24th, but I have it to give to you! Below you will find summaries to both books. Since these are trade size, you'd be getting 23 dollars worth of steamy pages for the price of a 3 dollar ticket! Not to mention all the other goodies in the basket. Oh an hey, I'll even toss in a limited edition deck of red NIGHTWALKER playing cards :). They look like THIS:

Now tell me those don't look hot!

Teasers of books in BBQ basket:

Synopsis

The Nightwalkers have lived in the shadows of our world for centuries, gifted with abilities few humans can comprehend. For Noah, duty is all-until he meets the woman who is his destiny.

She Will Take Him
Beyond His Wildest Dreams.

As Demon King, Noah is dedicated to protecting his kind from their human and Nightwalker enemies. Yet for six months he has struggled with vivid dreams that threaten his very sanity. Every night he's tormented by images of a woman both achingly real and tantalizingly beyond his grasp. And his bone-deep need leaves him no choice but to force her to leave the life she's known and enter a world beyond her imagining.

Every day, Kestra risks her life in perilous missions that veer just shy of the law, but she instinctively knows that the imposingly sensual figure before her is a danger unlike any she's ever faced. Kestra has sworn never to trust or need another man, but Noah's lightest touch scorches her with fevered desire, branding her as his mate, blinding them both to the terrifying truth. For within the ranks of their own people lies an adversary growing in number and power. And nothing and no one will be safe again.

Desire awakens at night.

Synopsis

What's better than a man who's good with his hands? Try a trio of hard-bodied hunks who'll be happy to flip your house, your heart...and anything else you have in mind...

This Old House

Architect Cole Carruthers's mission is simple-visit his company's latest rehab project and cajole the sweet old lady who once owned it into vacating the premises. But the sultry, sledge-hammer-wielding woman he finds is far from old, nor particularly sweet. For reasons she won't reveal, Aubrey Matheson refuses to leave the house she claims is her birthright. As far as Cole's concerned, there's only one thing to do with this squatter: hunker down with her and discover every single one of her sexy secrets...

All About Adam

The last meeting tough-as-nails Becky Carter took with sharp-witted, wicked sexy lawyer and

real estate rehabber Adam Thomas culminated in a scorching-hot game of kiss-and-run. Becky was the one running, and she's regretted it ever since. Now Adam's back to do some actual business...or so he says. If Becky has her way, this weekend of negotiation will speed from boardroom to bedroom-and stay there...

Man at the Door

After finding herself famous for all the wrong reasons, artist Erin McHugh just wants to fix up her house, open her art studio, and settle down out of the spotlight. Then job foreman Ray Hammond walks through her door and Erin recognizes broad-shouldered trouble. Hot, young, and always in the news, Ray is everything Erin wanted to avoid. The challenge is how to resist a guy who can build anything, fix anything-and make Erin feel everything...

Synopsis

IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME.

For Gabby Pearson, being dumped in public before the dessert course has to be the lowest of the low-especially when it's the old, "It's not you, it's me" speech. Honestly, how about something original— "I have five minutes to live" (very possible); "It's not you, it's the voices in my head" (thanks for the warning); or "I am such a powerful sexual being I could put you into a coma with one kiss" (wishful thinking). Not that Gabby would ever know since Reed Larkin never bothered to take her to bed. Why does a girl bother (to shave)? The only thing left to do is offer the guy a goodbye-forever drink.on his head.

IT'S ME WANTING YOU COMPLETELY.

Damn. Reed did his job-he walked away from Gabby rather than drag her into his unstable life and danger. Now he's wearing her full glass of wine instead of throwing her onto his sheets. It doesn't help that the woman is smart as hell and could stop a man's breath with that wide smile and those shapely curves. Gabby has it all, and Reed wants every inch of her. And now the joke's on him, because new intel says Gabby has just become his assignment— He has one day to win her back, get information from her she may not know she has, and somehow protect her at the same time.

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. PROBLEM?

The stakes are high. The odds are impossible. And the mutual attraction is as hot and strong as Gabby's anger. And Reed can only hope his next speech-"It's you, baby, it's definitely you."—will be the start of something wild, something crazy, something dangerous, something wonderful.

Well there you go! There's only six days left to buy tickets for this basket and all the others. Please step up and help me hand over a nice fat check to ACN. I am almost a third of the way to my goal. I will continue to list each prize the next few days in detail and I will continue to add massive extras just to tempt you!

I also want to give a quick run down on how easy paypal is. You got to your account (or create one), click on SEND MONEY then enter jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com in the receiver's part of the form! Voila. Done!

Look forward to hearing from you!
Hugs and Kitties
Jacki

A tisket a tasket some ACN raffle baskets!!!

2008-06-19T15:48:00.010-04:00

Like I said!

It's that time, my friends. My semi-annual begging marathon for ACN (Animal Compassion Network and their affiliate store Pet Harmony) donations. This is a very worthy cause, an animal rescue group local to me that is run by hardworking people with hard to achieve dreams of giving all animals a second chance to find decent, loving homes. Pet Harmony is the store created by ACN where all the profit from the healthy foods and pet-safe toys they sell goes straight back to ACN . Pet Harmony also has a huge cat room full of adorable babies waiting for new homes (I go to play with them and socialize them for humans all the time) and kennels for the dogs waiting to play with you and be your best buddy!

Most of the animals ACN manages are strays left abandoned by those who didn't approach finding their pets new homes with intelligence and responsibility. You and I may not think much of how easy it is to post fliers or to use the resources in your community to find a home for an unwanted pet, but apparently for others out there it is just easier to dump these defenseless domesticated creatures. I am a foster home for cats through ACN and in just my short stint with them you wouldn't believe the evil, infuriating callousness I have seen in my fellow human beings. I've seen cats abandoned in cages in Petsmart, cats abandoned in boxes on a hot doorstep, and worse...much worse. There are those out there who treat these animals like just so much garbage, leaving them to fend for themselves even after declawing and even if the animal never once spent a day out of doors in its life before.

I guess they think "It's an animal. It was born to fend for itself." But the truth is that once an animal knows a life of domestication, it is very rare for it to retain the instincts it needs to survive. WE bred it out of them, WE took their defenses away, WE are the ones they depend on for utterly every sip of water and every nibble of food. We made it impossible for them to thrive on their own, and we are the ones who have to care for them and pick up the slack for those idiots out there who don't. We need to find homes and shelter before a single abandoned pet falls victim to FLV (Feline Leukemia) or FIV (Feline AIDS) or heart worm or kennel cough or distemper...the list of dangers and epidemics is endless.

But don't feel too overwhelmed. Don't feel like there's nothing to be done. The organizations we need, organizations like ACN , are out there. ACN cares. We love. We work our asses off to compensate for the inconsiderate and the uneducated. And you can help just like I do. I know not everyone can become a foster home like I have done, so the best way to compensate if you really want to be a part of the solution is with money. Yep. The big, crispy green. And I am going to reward you for it.

Last year we just took donations and raised 750 dollars by selling limited 'tickets' to a drawing for my next book's Advance Release Copy. Well, I want to double that amount this time. I also want to sweeten the pot with a gift to go with it. The field will be limited again, giving you a very fair shot at winning!! But I won't be happy unless I reach 1500 dollars in donations so I am going to tempt you until you squeak!

Here's the deal:

I am giving away five separate items. There will be individual drawings for each item. The tickets for each item are limited in amount to one hundred tickets per prize and every ticket is going to cost you a three dollar donation to enter. Do the math. If I sell every last ticket, BINGO!! 1500 dollars goes straight to ACN and Pet Harmony!

I am going to make this uber easy for you too. All you have to do is donate through PAYPAL using my Jacquelyn's Boutique account which is attached to the email you all know and love very well jacquelynfrank@hotmail.com. Once you decide what you want to send, send the amount and tell me how many tickets you want to go toward which prize in the 'notes' section of the invoice. It's first come first serve and the winning drawings are going to be held during the live Chat Party I am holding on the 28th of June. That gives you just a week and a day to enter!!

And now, the moment you have all been waiting for...the PREZZIES!!!

1. The Fire Demon Barbecue Basket!
2. The Sinful Shadowdweller Basket!!
3. The Jacki Frank Freakin' Fantastic Basket!!!
4. The Lycanthrope Queen's Necklace.
5. The Lycanthrope/Vampire Princess' Necklace.

Great names, eh? Let us commence with #1.

1. The Fire Demon Barbecue Basket:

This sizzling summer classic is perfect for the weekend griller or barbecue enthusiast. A durable barbecue apron, oven mitt, shish kebab basket, wooden skewers, corn holders to hold four corn on the cob and four sturdy bamboo paper plate holders are welcome additions for both the griller and their guest. Barbecue basting brushes, barbecue sauce and wine-aged grilling chips, will turn a casual barbecue into a gourmet feast. Chili citrus flats, mozzarella cheese swirls and more round out this assortment, packed in a large jute basket.

But if you are the one who likes to watch someone else do the grillin', this basket is STILL for you! You can curl up in a big old lounge chair in a sun hat and read your very own ARC of NOAH! This is one of the last ones I have. All of my contests are over. You can only get this here!! Also, I feel frisky so I am going to throw in an assortment of four books from other Kensington/Brava authors. Those puppies go for 12 bux a pop. Just two makes it worth your while to donate to this great cause!

2. The Sinful Shadowdweller Basket!!

This luxurious gift basket is filled with Godiva dark chocolate almonds and pretzels, milk chocolate cashews, sesame crackers, cabernet black pepper cheese spread, Mariani dried fruit mix, white chocolate amaretto cookies, olives, Mrs. May's cranberry almond crunch, assorted Lindt hazelnut, peanut butter and dark chocolate truffles, fresh baked thank you cookie, toffee wafers, serving dish and more. A great way to recognize those who have helped.

But you will also be the VERY VERY first to be promised an ARC of the first book in my new series! The first Shadowdwellers book ECSTASY arrives in January of '09, but three months before then I will be getting ARCs and you will be the first to get one! Oh and, a couple other random books as well. :)

3. The Jacki Frank Freakin' Fantastic Basket!!!

This cordial assortment of Godiva milk chocolate coca, sesame crackers, Portlock smoked salmon, Ghirardelli coffee, Mrs. May's strawberry cashew crunch, herb cheese mix, Sorrento candies, Ahmad tea, sour cherry drops, pickled green asparagus, whole olives, caramel cookies, Brown and Haley almond roca, Mamma Mellace's cinnamon roasted cashews and matching serving dish fill this embossed burgundy tin. The variety in this basket guarantees there will be something for everyone.

But for a special bonus I am also adding the ENTIRE Nightwalkers series, beginning to end and signed by me personally to you! That includes a NOAH ARC. Not to mention random Brava books as well.

4. The Lycanthrope Queen's Necklace.
Siena's Collar. 'Nuff said.

These are real moonstones in this beautifully fashioned replica of the Lycanthrope Queen's collar. I have been waiting for a way to give this to a die hard fan, and this is it. It's a truly gorgeous choker...you won't regret owning this one of a kind piece!

Oh...did I mention you get a promissory note entitling you to any one ARC of any of my upcoming releases in the future? It's a coupon you can cash in only once...for any Jacquelyn Frank book about to be released...three months in advance! (Give or take)

5. The Lycanthrope/Vampire Princess' Necklace.
Syreena's Collar. Again, 'Nuff said.

Made of real moonstones and more beautiful than you can imagine, this is also a one of a kind design commissioned by me.

Oh...did I mention you get a promissory note entitling you to any one ARC of any of my upcoming releases in the future? It's a coupon you can cash in only once...for any Jacquelyn Frank book about to be released...three months in advance! (Give or take)

Well, there you have it. Buy your 1 in 100 ticket chance to any of these above items at 3 dollars each and help me hand over a nice fat check to ACN. Make me proud, guys.

I will be showcasing a prize a day the next five days so you will get even more in depth detail than I already gave. Keep watching this blog. I am going to tempt you til you weep. That's a promise.

Hugs and Kitties
Jacki