Cover Competition

Posted by Leslie on April 5th, 2007 | No Comments

I’ve noticed something. At Triskelion, the books that are listed in the top ten most often are the ones with the sexy covers. You know, the hunky beefcake covers. Perhaps those covers signal to the reader that they can expect a very sexy read. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE my SECRET INTENTIONS cover…I’d rather have the red rose over a sculpted male chest. Why? Well, because it *fits* my story better. I just can’t see the Earl of Markham half-naked on the cover of the book. However, roses and the color red do play a large part of the SECRET INTENTIONS story. Yet, that preference may mean less sales to me. Or, maybe I’m not as good at promo as those other authors! LOL!

Speaking of promo…no, I haven’t forgotten about the contest. A huge bit of Real Life has taken a hold of me recently. I still plan on posting the questions here next week. One per day. Post a comment that you’ve EMAILED me the answer. That way I’ll know to look for your email AND you won’t be giving away the answer to other blog readers. More instructions on Monday.

Until then, feel free to chime in on my cover comments. Do you buy or not buy according to the book’s cover? Does it give you any impressions of what’s on the pages that follow? I’d love to hear from you!!!! Don’t be shy!!

Featured Author!

Posted by Leslie on April 3rd, 2007 | No Comments

So check this out — I’m the featured author at both the Historical Romance Club (you may have to refresh a few times, as the featured authors rotate) and Sandra Barkevich’s website/blog. I’ll be her guest blogger later this month! I’ll be sure to post a reminder here.

Good Pesach or Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Enjoy another short excerpt from SECRET INTENTIONS:

She licked her lips. Markham had not allowed her explore much of him that night, feasting himself on her only, ripening her body like a flower to the fruit. Now it was her turn. Her turn to discover the texture of his flesh, the taste of his skin. Her turn to take control.

So deep in concentration was he, Markham did not look up until she stood beside his chair.

A surprised light gleamed in his colorless eyes. “Good morning. Do you need something?”

Oh, she needed something. Her blood hummed. Wickedness enveloped her. With a few purposeful bats of her eyelashes, Lizzie slid his chair back from the desk. Markham curled those enticing lips, waiting for her next move without a word.

She leaned forward, placing her hands atop his arms. Through the fabric, his black hair tickled her palms. “I need a kiss,” she answered, now only inches from his face. His foreign scent whistled through her veins in lightheaded rush.

“A kiss?” his voice dropped to a mesmerizing hum. “I believe I can oblige that request.”

Lizzie slanted her lips over his, tasting tea, scones, and ardent longing. He opened his mouth and she pursued his tongue with her own. A jolt ricocheted from her nipples to her groin, deepening that ache deep in her center. She nibbled at his lips, wanting to devour him yet needing to regain control.

A low sound echoed from his throat and she pulled away, grinning at the helpless whimper.

Markham watched her from hooded eyes, color like red wine spreading across the hard angles of his cheeks. “Will there be anything else?”

Next Week

Posted by Leslie on April 2nd, 2007 | No Comments

I’ll start asking the questions regarding my excerpts for you to win prizes. Don’t forget about the grand prize of “Secret Intention” perfume. And don’t let being outside the U.S. stop you from entering to win. The last two times I held a contest, both winners were from abroad!

If you HAVE read SECRET INTENTIONS, I would be so appreciative if you went to the Triskelion bookstore and added a review. I believe that many potential buyers want to read what others had to say about it. If I find it over there, I’ll be sure to give you a huge Shout Out here on the blog. Just go here and click on “Reviews” to write one. TIA!!!!!

Don’t Forget!

Posted by Leslie on March 31st, 2007 | No Comments

To check out Vicki Gaia’s blog to see the interview with the Earl of Markham from SECRET INTENTIONS. There’s even another excerpt there for you to enjoy. Happy Saturday!

Fresh Fiction (and another excerpt)

Posted by Leslie on March 30th, 2007 | No Comments

Coolness! There’s an article at Fresh Fiction on my (second) cousin, Michael Chabon. He’s become such a success! Way to go!!

Not only that — I gots me a page on Fresh Fiction. All because I asked them why they had one of my books listed (Jordanna Kay’s THE PRICE OF DISCOVERY) and not my other books.

A short (but yummy) excerpt from SECRET INTENTIONS:

Markham searched for shadows in her gaze, those secrets that kept him at bay. But anticipation and yearning overpowered her resolution. She revealed herself too easily. Despite any resistance, this fairy craved his touch.

“No, what, Miss Parker?”

Her pink tongue ran along the inside of her lips, moistening them, tempting him. “Whatever it is you’re about to do. Don’t.”

He lifted her chin. “Are you so sure about that?”

“No…yes.”

“It seems you are uncertain.”

“You can’t…you can’t do this to me.”

“Do what? Kiss you? Do you really wish me to stop?” Markham brushed his thumb across her lips, silencing her protests. Her eyes drifted closed again as if commanded by his touch.

Her lips parted. “Please…”

Her warm breath invited him to lower his mouth to hers. He kissed her lips delicately, tasting her sweetness, swallowing her sighs.

A surrendering whimper escaped from her throat.

Intensity exploded. Swells of need crashed against his skin, into his scorching arousal, even within his very bones. He slid his way inside her mouth, searching for the velvety smoothness of her tongue. She tasted like honey and hyacinth and everything that reminded him of the countryside.

Her fingertips brushed his shoulders. The devil! He wanted her to touch him. Touch him everywhere with those tiny hands, graceful as a butterfly’s wings.

Save the date!

Posted by Leslie on March 29th, 2007 | No Comments

This Saturday, March 31, fellow historical author, Vicki Gaia, is posting the interview she did with the Earl of Markham. He’s the hero of SECRET INTENTIONS. It sure was a lot of fun to channel my inner-hunky earl!

My newest interview!

Posted by Leslie on March 27th, 2007 | No Comments

Check out my newest interview at Night Owl Romance! Boy, these are always fun to do! Soon they’ll be doing a review of SECRET INTENTIONS. Can’t wait for those reviews to start coming in…it’s always nerve-wracking when you’re waiting for them, but then so satisfying to see that other people have liked your work. Anyway, give Night Owl Romances a look-over. They have so much information there from a variety of authors, including contests, give-aways, reviews, spotlights, a newsletter, and more!

Next excerpt!

Posted by Leslie on March 27th, 2007 | No Comments

Enjoy!

~~~~~

Lizzie followed him across the lawn, the grass vibrant and soft beneath her feet. It would be wondrous to lie down here on a warm sunny day, have Markham kiss her senseless.

They fought against the wind, as the ominous clouds promised this surprise would be a quick study. Markham reached behind him for her hand. She let him take it, far past caring who could be watching from the upper windows.

The heat greeted them the moment they stepped inside. Then, she noticed the aroma. Sweet, spicy, bitter and all-around heavenly.

Markham looked down at her and raised a black eyebrow. “Take a look around.”

Even more excited than she had been at the Botanical Gardens, Lizzie reluctantly let go of Markham’s hand and crossed directly to the vibrant bouquet of colors at the far end.

Ah. Roses.

Everywhere, in various stages of bloom, roses of pink, yellow, white and red tantalized her with their succulent fragrances. She cupped a scarlet bud in her hands, gently stroking its velvety petals.

Markham came up behind her, the pull from his warm body a force she bravely fought. It took everything in her not to lean back against his broad chest.

“And so you like the third surprise?”

Lizzie nodded, afraid to trust her voice.

She felt him tug at her cape and pull it from her head and shoulders. The chill did not last long in the warm room. Then his breath was hot in her ear. “I have more.”

Throat thick and tight, Lizzie swallowed. “M-more surprises?”

“One…perhaps two more.”

His lips touched her neck, shutting down her brain. She released the rose, eyes drifting closed.

Heavy taps pounded the glass above them. The rain. They took too long. But she didn’t care. Wet, dry, she didn’t care.

Markham’s tongue traced a damp line from her neck to her ear. He nibbled on the rim and then kissed his way back down to her shoulders. Then, those hands, those strong, very male hands cupped her breasts, possessing them. He yanked her back against him, proving his strong arousal on the small of her back.

The increasingly loud patter on the glass could not obscure his moan. “I want you.” Her spine tingled with his dark, throaty voice.

That craving ache began low in her belly, forcing her to turn, to find his mouth. Lizzie had to kiss him, she had to answer this humming and burning in her blood.

“I want all of you.” His black gaze penetrated her, halting her search for his lips. “Time for your fourth surprise.”

Rocking Pals!

Posted by Leslie on March 23rd, 2007 | 1 Comment

Several of my writing pals have had some cool stuff going on. I just HAVE to share!

1) Tawny Weber – a former critique partner of mine – has recently sold several books to Blaze. Her first books arrived at her door. You just can’t imagine what it’s like to hold your own book in your hands. Three words: Dream come true. Visit Tawny’s blog to see her picture and read all about DOUBLE DARE!

2) Terri Garey, another pal of mine, also got her first book in the mail! She got a two-book deal with Avon on a fantastic and snarky series featuring a goth girl who can talk to the dead. I just can’t wait to read DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY! She’s got a picture posted on her blog too!

3) Lisa Paitz Spinder, my very first critique partner and my webmaster-extraordinaire, has recently been awarded the “Thinking Blogger Award.” And it’s no surprise. Lisa is a super intelligent, nerdy, fun feminist. Her Danger Gal Fridays are worth checking out her blog alone.

Oh, and as a side note SECRET INTENTIONS is currently #10 on Triskelion’s bestseller list. Thanks to all my readers!! Ya just don’t know how happy that makes me! New excerpt coming up soon!