Night Owl Reviews:

How does one describe a novel such as this? Creative, daring, a fantastic story written with great imagination will work well. The story is one of Ella and Bennett, two very strong willed individuals who must come to terms with their individual ideals and learn to work together in a Victorian Steampunk setting to stop a crazed killer. Ella is an extraordinary heroine who dabbles in creating steampunk works of art to enrich the lives of the people. Bennett is a noble who has done more than dabble and has created truly amazing works, but takes little credit for them. Each one must learn that they were not what they originally believed in thought. Their lives are crazily entwined together, in a compelling case of mistaken identity, hidden dangers, a ruthless killer, and strong, heart-stopping love. Can they find the killer and stop him before he comes for Ella? Can they overcome their differences to be together in love? Can Ella learn to overcome her aversion to automated beings? Read on to find out.

At once engaging, well written, and charming, this is a great story that will bring great pleasure to readers everywhere.

Reading Reality:

Escape Rating A-: I was up until 3 am trying to finish this. I didn’t quite make it, but I really, really wanted to. I wanted to find out how it ended so badly that I picked it up at breakfast the next morning. I got so caught up in the romance I forgot to figure out who the killer really was. Very well done!

Galaxy Express:

The Iron Heart’s sizzling, steamy (!) romance edges toward a “soft” erotic heat level. Bennett Pierce, Lord Barrington, is a dark and tortured hero whose libido is unleashed by Ella’s bold nature and, of course, her luscious curves. The story is loaded with smoldering glances and raw fantasies. I would characterize The Iron Heart as a slow burn erotic steampunk romance with heavy sexual tension throughout.

Here’s how this is going to work: Rafflecopter has selected six winners. Each winner can choose a necklace or an ebook. The easiest way for me to do this is first come, first serve. So the first one to COMMENT on this blog post with which necklace they want, will get that necklace…and so forth. So PLEASE read the comments before yours before choosing. If you want a book instead, please let me know that.

THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!!! I TRULY APPRECIATE IT!!

Now for the winners:

Barbara B.
Lesley S.
Aurora M.
Linda D.
Tami B.
Sara (broken_tears)

Isn’t she pretty?! (and bad-ass!)

THE IRON HEART, a Romance Steampunk, will be available digitally from Samhain on FEBRUARY 14, 2012. Valentine’s Day! How cool is that? Yeah, expect lots of promo and contests around then!

My Harlequin Spice Brief THE LADY’S BARGAIN is still scheduled for April 2012.

I’ve started a new historical Gothic romance. I’m very excited about this one! The current title is A TOUCH OF MADNESS. I’ll post some (unedited) excerpts now and then as I get further into the story.

RWA 2011 was a blast, although I wasn’t impressed with the hotel set-up and missed seeing so many people I was looking forward to hanging with. Next year’s conference is in California. Should be so fun, except for that pesky time change!

Steampunk bookcover

Now, I need to write one of the following:

1) Follow up to The Iron Heart
2) Harlequin Spice Brief story (possible trilogy)
3) Historical Gothic

BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST was my first Gothic. I tried to stay true to the genre, by keeping my characters in the isolated manor and limiting their interaction with others. The house itself was in large, confusing, and in shambles. The yard wasn’t much better. Between a spooky house, mysterious noises, and a lurking menace, I hopefully succeeded in making it a true Gothic.

So, I’m brainstorming my next story, trying to write another Gothic. What elements do you like best in Gothics??

For KINDLE
For NOOK
For ALL OTHER DEVICES

Stay tuned for when I get a cover and when it’s listed for pre-order!

BEAUTY TEMPTS THE BEAST won a Reviewer’s Choice Award!!

Still waiting to hear from four agents and two editors who have THE IRON HEART on their desks.

I am signed up to attend the Washington Romance Writers retreat in late April. It’s been several years since I’ve gone and I’m excited about going back.

I’ll be at the RWA Conference in NYC in late June (during my birthday!). That should be a blast. Every year is so different.

My two Jordanna Kay books, THE PRICE OF DISCOVERY and TABOO, will be reissued under Leslie Dicken. The covers have been updated too, but I can’t share them yet. Boo!

Still waiting on my full contract from Harlequin for THE LADY’S BARGAIN. In the meantime, I’m trying to write another Spice Brief!