And the Winners Are...

Thank you everyone for stopping by during Caridad Pineiro's visit on the island! The winners, (chosen by random.org) are:

Karen W: copy of Fury Calls
Mary G: Sins of the Flesh t-shirt

Ladies, please contact Caridad through her contact page. Click here for the link.

Sadly this is Caridad's last day, but it's been fun having her. As a parting gift, here's an excerpt from Sins of the Flesh:

Her Touch -- Innocent and Honest -- Ripped Through His Body

... tightening Mick's gut and creating an unexpected and unwanted reaction. She had brushed the tips of her fingers across his bruise. And from the tremble of her fingers, Caterina clearly had experienced something intense as well.

He rose from the chair and the motion brought him close to her. Too close. Her eyes were that intense dark blue once more, the pupils wide. The blush was even stronger across the high slashes of her cheekbones. She licked her lips.

Very human lips.

Very luscious womanly lips.

He dipped his head down, hesitating when he was about an inch away. Warning himself that if he took a taste ...

To purchase SINS, check out Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Borders. To see the blurb, just read yesterday's post :)


Thanks again Caridad!

Caridad Pineiro - The Interview

Please welcome Caridad Pineiro back for another day here at the island! She's seriously one of the nicest authors I've interviewed to date so I hope she comes to visit us again :) She was kind enough to answer all my burning questions so I hope y'all enjoy the interview.


1. You were one of the authors who helped launch Silhouette Nocturne’s DEATH CALLS line. What’s it like writing for them and how different is it writing ‘Bites’ as opposed to writing full-length novels?
It’s great writing for Harlequin. They’ve always been very supportive and willing to consider stories that push the edge and so I’ve really been able to explore the darker elements of some the characters. As for writing BITES, it’s a big change from a longer novel. The action needs to start immediately and the characters have to leap to life full-blown. That’s a difficult thing to do, but I love the challenge! In fact, I’ve found that writing the shorter BITES and novellas has really helped me with pacing and creating page-turning chapter endings on my longer works.


2. What other publishing houses do you write for?
I currently also write for Grand Central Publishing and will have my first single title paranormal romantic suspense release – SINS OF THE FLESH – with them on October 27, 2009.


3. What would you say has been your most significant accomplishment as a writer?
To keep on getting published over the last decade. A lot of people think that once you sell one book, selling the next is easy, but that’s not the case. So I’m really happy that I’ve been able to continue selling books over the years.


4. What is your writing process?

Are you a plotter or pantster? I used to be a pantser, but am now a plotter. I write every day usually and try not to stop and edit while I am writing. However, I will write and rewrite the first three chapters until I feel they are strong and have a good sense of the hero/heroine and the main conflict. I consider those three chapters the cornerstone for the novel and if they are shaky, the rest of the chapters will start to wobble and fall apart.


5. How long have you been writing?

I started writing in the fifth grade but turned my mind to getting published in 1991. I was able to sell my first book in 1998 and it was released in 1999.


6. Tell us something about yourself that we might not know.

I was a science major in college and played the bassoon all through high school and college.

7. Your latest book, SINS OF THE FLESH, is the first in a series for Grand Central Publishing. Tell us more about this exciting new release and upcoming series.

I am so excited about this book! SINS OF THE FLESH is the story of Caterina Shaw, a terminally ill woman who undertakes radical gene therapy in an effort to save her life. What she doesn’t count on is that the scientists who are supposed to help her decide to experiment by implanting other genes in her body. When one of the scientists decides to blow the whistle on the illegal experimentation, he is murdered. Caterina escapes during the killing and is framed for the murder. Mercenary Mick Carrera is sent to capture Caterina and discovers all is not right with her and the story he has been told. What follows is an action-packed and emotionally compelling story as Mick and Caterina try to clear her name and save her humanity in a deadly game being played by the scientists.

I just got SINS in the mail and I'm waiting until this weekend to dive into it. I know if I start, I won't want to put it down!


8. Anything you’d like to add for your readers and/or aspiring writers?
Never give up. It may be tough at times and rejection is awful, but don’t give up your dream.


Thank you so much for the interview and inspirational words. Over the years I've seen your posts on various blogs and you're such a classy lady. It's been so much fun having you here and I hope this won't be your only visit :)


Caridad is offering a SINS t-shirt to one lucky winner. All you have to do is leave a comment. Don't forget to check back tomorrow to see the winners from yesterday and today! For more info on Caridad, visit www.caridad.com and http://www.caridad.com/blog/

Caridad Pineiro - Day 1

Please welcome author, Caridad Pineiro to her first day on the island! New York Times and USA Today bestseller Caridad Pineiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word through high school, college and law school. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Caridad’s passion for writing led to a determination to become published and share the stories she loved with others. In 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released and a decade later, Caridad is the author of over twenty novels and novellas. Caridad hopes to continue to share her stories with readers all over the world for years to come. When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista. For more information on Caridad, please visit www.caridad.com or www.thecallingvampirenovels.com.


1. If you were stuck on a desert island what 3 things would you bring with you?

A box of books, wine and my husband because he makes me laugh.
I love that you said your husband!

2. How do you like your heroes? In boxers, Briefs, boxer briefs, or a kilt? (or commando?)

Definitely in boxer briefs. They’re very sexy.

3. Favorite Heroine?

Eve Dallas.

Ooh, she’s one of my favorites too!

4. If you could be in one book/series/world which would you pick?
The IN DEATH series by J.D. Robb. I love romantic suspense!

Yay! Another J.D. Robb fan. You’re going to fit in perfectly on this island!

5. Favorite drink to bring to the DIK party?

Sangria that I’d make from the wine I brought to the island and all the tasty tropical fruits on the desert island.


6. Who are your favorite authors?

J.D. Robb, Kim Harrison, Kelley Armstrong, Jacqueline Carey and Kathleen Woodiwiss.


7. What six books would you bring with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
• Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss
• We by Eugene Zamiatin
• If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits? by Erma Bombeck
• Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey
• Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
  

Caridad has been cool enough to offer a copy of Fury Calls to one lucky winner! All you have to do is leave a comment! She’s also having another giveaway tomorrow! On Saturday I’ll post the winners so don’t forget to check back. For more info on Caridad, visit www.caridad.com and http://www.caridad.com/blog/

The Dirty Hairy Details: Writing the Hero's Physical Characteristics in an Erotic Romance by Beth Kery

If there’s one thing about erotic romance authors, we don’t glaze over the down and dirty details. (Perhaps you’ve noticed?) And…the sexier you get, the more you’re likely to push some “yuck’ buttons with someone. It’s a fact of life.

What you like, your blog-friend doesn’t, your best friend thinks is disgusting, and your neighbor thinks should be declared criminal. Here’s a relatively innocent example.

In my world anyway.

Hero. General Appearance. Naked.

I hope you don’t mind me getting a little nitty gritty here and taking your pulse (cough) on a few intimate details. It is the island, after all. It’s all in the name of author research. J See, I wonder about some things when I’m coming up with the specifics for a hero’s appearance. So I’m curious as to your responses on a few key descriptors.

Erotic romance can get it ‘wrong’ a lot easier than non-erotics

when it comes to physical description, meaning we tend to have a higher potential to hit someone’s ‘that’s so wrong’ nerve. (And I’m just talking about male features here, not sex. That’s a whole different set of on/off buttons for every person).

It’s one thing to have a dark haired/dark-eyed vs. blonde haired/blue-eyed hero, for instance. That’s something that any romance writer will have to decide, and there will undoubtedly be a portion of readership that is meh-ish about the hero description, at least in the beginning, because she prefers another choice.

But erotic romance authors have much more intimidating decisions to make, because even more intimate description is required. Following are a few hero physical appearance items I sometimes go back and forth on in an erotic romance.

(And trust me, I do wonder what you’re thinking when I’m writing. All the time. It’s just that….as I said above, when it comes to down and dirty sex, I’m a bit more likely to strike your “wrong” bone, although hopefully I get it right at times as well).

Here’s a few basic examples.

Do you like a muscle bound hero or do you like them long, lean and sinewy?

A hairy chest or smooth? A hairy chest can be awesome, but when I say it, the image of dense carpets of hair pops into my mind, and I wonder if it does for readers, too. I sometimes find myself backpedaling and saying, he doesn’t have a pelt! Hopefully this photo of JFK Jr. will help give the picture of what I’m referring to, but of course, no illustrations in books.

How do you feel about penis descriptions? Would you like to know if your hero is well endowed or would you like to just know he’d make an ‘eye-crossingly good fit’? Do you want details of his appearance—shape, size, taste, texture—or would you rather the author left it up to your imagination?

One detail that I often struggle with is clean-shaven privates or au natural. I think people have a wide range of preferences here. Clean-shaven can have a diversity of potential meanings. On the more ‘negative’ side of things, it might mean level of sexual expertise, promiscuity, or even self-involvement (as in a guy who flexes in front of the mirror a lot). More positively, it could connote a hygienic quality, awareness and pride of male aesthetic beauty, and knowledge of the improved potential sensuality with the lack of covering on some of the most acute sensory nerves in the body. (This list is not meant to imply every possibility or preference, just rambling. Feel free to fill me in on your reason for like/dislike).

So you may begin to see what I mean about how dicey things can become for a writer of erotic romance at times, and this is just for basic male body description.

For the shaved/au natural detail, I find myself choosing based on the character of the hero. For instance, Jason in Paradise Rules shaves. He’s a very sensual man who wants to feel every nuance during sex, but more importantly, he has a history of being an Olympic swimmer who would be used to being ‘streamlined’ and well…wearing Speedos. LOL. (Don’t worry, no Speedo moments in Paradise Rules. By the time the book takes place, he’s no longer a competing swimmer and wears surfer trunks…or more likely, just his skin in his private lagoon). However, Sean my hero from Release, while also very comfortable with his sexuality, is more of an earthy bad boy. I just picture him raw and au natural.

Okay, so Lea was nice enough to set up a little poll for me. (Thank you Lea!) You tell me what you think. If the survey doesn’t give you a chance to respond adequately, tell me in a comment. Have there been any hero descriptors in the past that totally threw you off into ick-land? Any that you ended up loving by the end of the story?

Go ahead, give me the down and dirty.

Lea: I'm delighted to say we have a surprise visitor here on the Island today who is great "friends" with Beth and I have to say, despite my heart being all a flutter I had to approach him ask him a question or two.

It's my great pleasure to introduce "Jason Koa", the hero of Paradise Rules! Woo Hoo! Raises Koa Mai-Tai!

Jason: "Why thank you for the nice welcome Lea. Um, cool bikini top." *Jason squints eyes* "Is that a dog you are holding?"

L: "Yup, this is Tori, I think she likes you.." (Yikes, what's not to like?) "Would you like to hold her?"

Jason: *smirking* "Thanks but, no thanks."

L: "LOL I know you are good friends with Beth (after all she did write your story and arranged for you to visit the island), do you know what her next novel is called and what it is going to be about?"

Jason: "She did happen to spill some details after drinking two Koa mai tais. I’m thinking Beth must have gotten her fill of the sun and surf in Paradise Rules—how could that woman have created me?—because her next two stories involve her heroes and heroines being stuck with each other in blizzards, which ends up being a good thing, of course. Holiday Bound is short novel about a woman who is looking forward to getting serious with the older man she’d been casually dating at a ski resort over Christmas. Instead, she ends up being stranded with his bad-ass, gorgeous, rude son in a blizzard and realizes she’s wandered into a family battle zone…which she unintentionally intensifies by falling hard for the son. Holiday Bound comes out in e-book format from Samhain December 1, 2009.

Release is a much darker, intense love story about a man and a woman that wanted each other so much, they agreed to a ménage a trois with the woman’s husband when the husband suggested it. The single night of impulsive pleasure changes their lives forever, because the husband turns up dead…and both the hero and heroine suspects the other of murder. Everything comes exploding to the surface three years later when the woman and man are stuck together in a Chicago penthouse during a snowstorm. Release comes out from Berkley Heat February, 2010.

Nice chatting with you Lea, I’ll get Beth another mai tai and subtly suggest she needs to get back to sun and water sports. "

L: "Thanks so much for taking time to chat with me Jason! And, thank you for the sharing the details about Beth's upcoming publications. :) Enjoy your day on the Island." *winks*

*The four Polls for Beth's Questions are placed in the right sidebar for your voting pleasure. Voting will close at midnight because we are flying home so be sure and let your preferences be known!! I'll pass the tallies from the polls to Beth along with the names for the draw.

Please Note: Entries for the "Paradise Rules" Giveaway is now closed. Beth will draw and announce the lucky winner at her blog on Friday morning (*It will be up to the winner to contact Beth within 48 hours of the announcement at her blog).

A big DIK thank you to Beth Kery for visiting the past 3 days and being such fun and a good sport!

When Beth isn't here visiting on the island she can be found at her website: http://www.bethkery.com/

Beth Kery Chats About Her DIK Books (Day 2)

Welcome back to our second day of fun and sun at DIK Beth!

I agreed to let Beth borrow my blowfish bikini top because she was eyeing my breasts during the luau festivities last night and I finally decided it was in everyone’s best interest just to let her wear it today… How’s the fit Beth?

Was I gawking? Sorry, I might have been having fem-bot flashbacks while looking at your fish. The fit is pretty good, Lea, and I have to admit, I’m feeling armed and dangerous, here.

LOL! Armed and dangerous fish lips, I'll have to remember that one.. *waggles brows*

Just so you know though, you cannot borrow Tori!

Dang!

LOL

So, without further adieu I’m turning the mic over to Beth, who is going to talk about her 5 favorite DIK novels she has brought along to the island.

My DIK’s.

Slow Heat in Heaven by Sandra Brown.

I’ll never forget reading this book; it had a huge impact on me as far as writing erotic romance. After years of wishing Sandra would write ‘more’ as far as sex, she actually wrote the word ‘cock’. As in Cash Boudreaux’s cock, and trust me, this hero’s sex organ couldn’t be called anything other than cock: he’s raw, elemental, rude and beautiful. I’d have to have at least one Sandra book with me, because I’ve read her forever, and I attribute my love of good old-fashioned romance and thick sexual tension to her. Practically every page is foreplay, so when the hero and heroine do finally get it on, it’s explosive. In addition, I love kissing scenes, and Sandra is the queen of the curling-toes kiss.

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster.

This is a timeless romance; the prose so spare and elegant one wonders how Forster packed so much meaning into a small book. I love it because it’s a story of the contrast between conventional life, and how things ‘should’ be on the surface versus the dark, inner world of wild longings and primitive sexuality. It has everything: humor, beautiful scenery, a prim and proper English girl who isn’t so prim and proper after all, who ends up sacrificing the world of staid parlors and polite conversation for passion and true love.

Snowbound by Larissa Ione.

I have a fondness for lovin-it-up in a snowstorm. While the desert island is nice, I’d need something to take me back to how it feels to cozy up with a great book during a blizzard…or with a hot guy. I love Larissa’s smart, sexy voice and the complexity of her characters. She doesn’t take the easy path, which I respect, and I’m so glad she didn’t in Sean’s case.

Persuasion by Jane Austen.

I know it seems trite to be a Jane Austen fan these days, but I have been a JA lover forever. Well…since high school. I’ve visited Jane Austen museums and traced the paths Anne Elliot walked in Bath. To me, Persuasion is Austen writing at her height of talent. I would bring Persuasion to the desert island as a reminder of the importance of character, and how plot can serve the purpose of character-building versus having characters merely fit into the plot-slots. At first glance, Anne seems bloodless and flat, and I so admire the way Austen finessed her character and growth, until by the end of the story we have an in depth portrait of a woman who while not perfect, has grown from her mistakes, and rightfully earned a second chance at love.

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley:

I’ll admit it: sometimes I just need a good cry. I ball my eyes out almost every time I re-read this book. I’m a real lover of the Arthurian legend, and this book, which does the myth from the female/matriarchal perspective, is just a plain and simple tear-jerker in addition to being sexy, violent, dark and spiritual all at once. And it’s a woman’s book; I cry for the stories that were never told.

Of course, you’ve gotta have someone to hate on a desert island, as well, and a sketch of Zimmer Bradley’s Guinevere would make for a great target for my home-made bow and arrow.

L: Oooh I think you would look so cool wearing the fish lips armed with a home-made bow and arrow. *wink*

Seriously though, awesome and interesting DIK book choices Beth!! I like the diversity of your picks. I love "A Room With A View", too and hadn't though about it in a very long time. Thank you so much for sharing. If you have any questions for Beth with respect to her DIK reads, or about her work I know she will be by and will be delighted to answer.

Please Note: Entries for the "Paradise Rules" Giveaway is now closed. Beth will draw and announce the lucky winner at her blog on Friday morning (*It will be up to the winner to contact Beth within 48 hours of the announcement at her blog).

When Beth isn't here visiting on the island she can be found at her website.

Please Welcome Beth Kery To The Island!

It is my great pleasure to introduce and welcome author Beth Kery to the Island! ::Big round of applause - raising drinks::

I was delighted and honored when Beth agreed to guest here at DIK because I’ve been cyber stalking, um a fan since I read “Wicked Burn”, in 2008 and have loved every one of her publications since.

Beth’s most recent release “Paradise Rules”, is set in Hawaii and for me was as enjoyable as her previous publications.

Welcome to DIK Beth, isn’t it nice to get away from the chilly weather in Chicago to a nice warm beach?

It certainly is. I’m a pretty typical city-girl, but there’s nothing like a tropical getaway. Thanks for asking me to the island, Lea.

L: Your welcome, the ladies and I are delighted you took time out of your busy schedule to join us!

Are you ready for the rapid-fire induction DIK “About Me”, questions?

As ready as my sluggish morning brain will allow. (I’ll be an easy target).

Favorite Reading Position?

BK: Propped up on pillows in bed.

L: Ah, yes, that is my favorite too.. ;)

How old is your inside voice?

Hmmm…pretty old. A dozen centuries at least. That’s my wise-inner-voice, the imp-one is a perpetual two.

If you could be a hero who would you be?

It would be Merlin from the Mary Stewart trilogy, and not just because he was magical, and a brilliant mathematician, architect and doctor. There’s just something about the way Stewart wrote him, such a complex, layered, beautiful character who understands his fate and yet faces it with grace every day. In a weird way, I’d like to be some hybrid of Merlin and Arthur in that trilogy. Arthur has all the male dash and brawn and Merlin all the insight, and it’s really together that they create the most powerful king of all time.

What heroine is most like you ?

Well, this is a tough one. I’ll have to go with Anne Elliot from Austen’s Persuasion with just a touch of Elizabeth Bennett (Pride and Prejudice) mixed in for spice. LOL. I’m actually fairly reserved and ‘watchful’ like Anne, but my sense of humor is more like Lizzy’s. I love to laugh, and I laugh at myself a lot like Ms. Bennett.

What heroine would you like to be?

Honestly? Can I pick an anti-heroine? If it was just for a few days, I’d love to step into Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca. She’s one of my favorite villains, so gorgeously nasty. Plus, it’d be worth it to get to wear her glamorous gowns and mince about Manderly, smoking from an elongated cigarette holder and seducing stable boys on a whim (just to piss off Max). She was never even in Rebecca, but she dominated every page. We never even knew the ‘true’ heroines name, because Rebecca so overshadowed her. Brilliant writing.

So, yes, go figure. Most like Anne Elliot, but wants to be Rebecca for a day. Something weird about that.

L: Cool, I like her.. ;)


Boxers, Briefs, boxer briefs, kilt (I say we add commando)?

Boxer Briefs but commando is always a nice surprise.

L: Yeah, those boxer briefs allow for nice definition.. lol ;)

Favorite book set on a tropical island?

Maybe Sandra Brown’s Tempertures Rising.

What hero is most like your significant other?

Well, not entirely of course, and this isn’t from a book, but Will from Good Will Hunting. Like Will, hubby comes from a working class family and he lived by his fists for a lot of his childhood. But he’s got a brilliant mind, as well, and it took him a long way. I love that contrast…the richness. He can blend in with corporate America and construction guys with equal aplomb. I can give him almost anything, and he’ll be able to fix it, a busted coffee maker or complex business problem.

Just as aside, Thomas Nicasio, from the currently unnamed novel I’m working on at the moment (due out December of 2010) is suspiciously built along those lines as well. Hmmmm….

L: Okay, I'm so liking Thomas.. That is one fine looking man.. Mind you, I'm a huge Will Hunting fan too. I imagine that that the heroes authors write are often inspired by men they know and admire. I think it's wonderful that sort of inspiration can be drawn from your significant other. :)

What hero from a novel would you like to be your significant other?

Well, since I’m on fantasy island here, I’ll say Jason Koa from Paradise Rules. Why? Because he’s very comfortable in his own skin (and looks phenomenal in it). He’s pretty psychologically healthy; I have enough hang-ups for two people, so I’ll be happy to share. 

If you were stuck on a desert island what 3 things would you bring?

Lots of paper and pens—I would say a computer, but with no outlets, I’d have to write the old-fashioned way, and if I wasn’t prepared, I’d end up writing books on palm tree bark. Lots of sunblock—this Irish-American skin and the tropical sun don’t get along well without it. My husband—because he’s a must.

L: Well I hope hubby enjoys a visit here on the island too. :)

Favorite drink to bring to the DIK party?

Lily Koa (from Paradise Rules) makes some kick-ass tropical drinks. She made a special one for her grandson, Jason Koa, who is part Hawaiian and part Welsh. It’s a mai-tai with a splash of Pendrang whiskey, and it’s the favorite drink at Jason’s popular ocean-side restaurant, Jace’s.

Koa mai-tais all around!

L: Yummy!!

Thanks Beth, great answers! LOL We’ve planned a rockin luau tonight with the DIK menz in attendance and Beth is going to be back on the island with us tomorrow talking about her favorite DIK books that she has brought along. I know Beth is going to be stopping by during the day today so if you have any questions for her I'm sure she will be happy to answer them.

Please Note: Entries for the "Paradise Rules" Giveaway is now closed. Beth will draw and announce the lucky winner at her blog on Friday morning (*It will be up to the winner to contact Beth within 48 hours of the announcement at her blog). 

When Beth isn't here visiting on the island she can be found at her website: http://www.bethkery.com/.

Lanyon Book Winners

Using the Random Number Generator----

Kati

&

Booklover0026

are the winners of Josh Lanyon's brand new fling--I Spy Something Wicked.

Email me! noseinabookATliveDOTcom and I'll send you your gifty!

Enjoy!

Strange Offer

Jake Riordan (see photo) from the Adrien English Mysteries my DIK hut is here today to tell you about a very Strange Offer.

Jake: No. I'm not.

LBea: Why must you be difficult? I just need you to step up on this box, right here, and tell people about the one time, special offer, interview with the love of your life, Adrien--

Jake: I never said that.

LBea: Out loud--no, but, sweetie, you totally love him.

Jake: ::sighs:: What do you want me to do?

LBea; Tell everyone about the interview you guys did with your very good friend, Josh Lanyon.

Jake: Friend? Did Lanyon tell you that? I think you misunderstand the meaning of that word.

LBea: I don't! I think you're just mad because everyone thinks you're a nit and it's slightly his fault.

Jake: ::stony silence::

LBea: I don't think you're a nit.

Jake: Get on with it, LBea. And keep that bastard Nate Hawkins away from my side of the hut. He calls me 'boy' one more time...

LBea shudders delicately: That is so....sexy.

Jake: You have your alpha beta pairings confused.

LBea: Do I? Just tell the ladies here on the Island what's going on, and I'll keep Nate from spanking you. Yes? That's a good deal. Then I can give some free books away, drink my Jamaican Butter Rum coffee, and write my own books!

Jake: Who the hell is this guy?

LBea: You like? He looks like ADRIEN! No?

Jake: No. Here's the news. Pay attention. I'm only saying this once.

::crinkle of paper::

A Strange Offer

Order Strange Fortune, the new spec fiction novel by Josh Lanyon through the Blind Eye Books website by midnight on November 20^th and uncover a small fortune in exclusive promotional plunder.

Jake: Did you just make me say 'plunder'?

LBea: Nope. Not I.

Order between November 5th and November 20th and receive:

• Sketches of Hidush. A PDF sketch book containing 6 pages of gorgeous original illustrations from Strange Fortune by noted artist Dawn Kimberling.

• A Cookbook for Gentlemen featuring one recipe from each of Josh’s works. From Italian margaritas to rabbit pie, there’s something for every appetite in this little gem.

• Adrien and Jake: A Private Conversation. Josh’s most popular characters answer a host of questions posed by their creator and a score of readers in this “private” interview.

• “The French Have a Name for It.” An original short story by Josh Lanyon. This story is only a

vailable through this offer.

• Vintage bookplate template of mysterious swami chap.


Remember, like all things magical…there’s a catch. You must order before midnight on November 20th. When the clock strikes twelve all this lovely loot vanishes like white smoke from a Hidushi temple sacrifice.


LBea: See that wasn't painful at all. Thank you, Jakey. ::pats hand::

Jake: Well, the cookbook looks interesting.

***In honor of my birthday, which is All Saints Day, and rightly so, I'm tossing two copies of Josh's I Spy Something Wicked out to the crowd. It's a Halloween story. Happy Birthday to me!

Just leave a comment in the, er, comment section, and I'll pick someone by midnight on Sunday. WOOT!

Jake: Does that DIK banner say all the heroes here are naked in their huts?

LBea leers: Yup. Even you, sweetie.

Who Doesn't Love a Bad Boy?

Not me - that's for sure! I love them. As with many other romance readers I'm sure, the 'bad boy' is one of my favourites. My latest read had a bad boy hero and while thinking about what to do for my day at the island, this topic came to me very quickly.

So here are some of my favourite bad boys

Mick Brody in Toni Blake's One Reckless Summer

It's tough to play it cool on a sultry summer night . . .
The perfect daughter. The perfect prom queen. The perfect wife. Jenny Tolliver's been the good girl all her life, and it's gotten her nowhere. Now that her marriage has been busted up by her cheating ex, she's decided it's time to regroup and rediscover herself. This summer she's headed back to her hometown of Destiny, Ohio, to the very lakeshore cottage where she grew up, to figure out what life holds in store for her next.
She never dreamed the answer would be Mick Brody, Destiny's #1 hellraiser. He comes from the wrong side of the tracks (or in his case, the lake), and he's landed in hot water more times than he can count. He's exactly the kind of guy Jenny's always kept her distance from . . . but soon the good girl and the bad boy are caught in a raw heat that's out of control. Too bad Mick's got a secret that threatens to tear them apart and ruin Jenny's perfectly, passionately reckless summer . . .

Johnny Harris in Karen Robards' One Summer

He was pure unadulterated trouble

Johnny Harris is home again, his too-tight jeans and damn-your-eyes belligerence honed to perfection by a ten-year stretch in federal prison for murder. Now he's out on parole and ready for the job Rachel Grant has promised to help him begin a new life. Unlike the rest of the town, Rachel has always believed in her former student's innocence. But one thing has changed...

The sullenly handsome boy she remembered is still sullen, still handsome ...but no longer a boy. And now the small Kentucky town is alive with gossip and whispers of scandal, as friendsh

ip turns to passion and Rachel abandons a lifetime of propriety in the ex-con's arms. Then the killer strikes again. All evidence points to Johnny Harris, but Rachel knows he is innocent. And she knows she is next ...as a shattering truth is uncovered and dark passions explode in the relentless summer heat.

Alec Tyron in Karen Robard's Tiger's Eye

The man with the golden eyes

He was the tawny, golden-eyed king of London's underworld. She was an aristocratic heiress, born to the satin sheets of an ancient family. Their two proud hearts struck a flame that would consume them both in the blaze of a love that no society could allow--and a passion that neither could deny.

Lady Isabella St. Just is shocked to learn the identity of the daring champion who comes to her aid -- for the man who rescues her from desperate felons is none other than Alec Tyron, the notorious king of London's underworld. Now she is beholden to an outlaw who is respected and feared throughout the city and stunned by her own intense desire for this dark man of mystery. Fate has united these strangers from opposite lives -- the beautiful aristocrat and the brazen criminal outlaw. And now that the flame has been lit, no power on Earth will quench the fire of their passion...or destroy a love that society cannot allow.

Billy Blade in Gaelen Foley' s Lady of Desire

A handsome scoundrel running from a secret past, Billy Blade has never met a woman like Jacinda -- her fiery innocence and blossoming sensuality set his rebel's heart ablaze. Having turned his back on the privilege of his tyrannical father's house years before, he vows to return to reclaim his title, Earl of Rackford -- to win the love of the ravishing beauty who has stolen his heart.

Impetuous Lady Jacinda Knight is the daughter of a scandalous woman. Though society predicts she'll follow in her mother's footsteps, the spirited beauty stands unashamed of her passionate nature. Then one night, in flight from an arranged and loeless marriage, Jacinda finds herself alone on a dangerous street face-to-face with Billy Blade, the notorious leader of a band of thieves. His stolen kisses awaken in her a longing for a man she can never possess.

Luke Turner in Lisa Gregory's The Rainbow Season

Luke Turner, an outcast, they called him "bad blood" from his boyhood in a tarpaper shack to his nights in a prison cell.

Sarah McGowan, her roots were deep in the Texas soil. But her secret shameful love for her sister's husband kept her from happiness.
Pride and their love of the Texas land threw them together in an unlikely marriage. Then, as unexpectedly as a spring flood, long pent-up passion exploded in a storm that was to consume them both...

Luke McGuire in Justine Davis' The Return of Luke McGuire

You always want

Luke didn't need the town's nasty stares to know that Amelia was off-limits. But then, reformed or not, he'd never been one to abide by the rules. He only hoped that the quiet beauty would fall for the man he had become instead of the one he used to be.

What you can't have
Luke McGuire was everything shy Amelia Blair had been fascinated by as a girl but too terrified to go near. And now here she was, the only person in the whole town decent enough to give him the time of day, caring enough to stand up for him...brave enough to get close.

Lobo from Patricia Potter's Lawless

His name was Lobo .... The notorious, Apache-raised gunslinger was hired to scare a lady rancher off her land using his dangerous reputation and his cold eyes-and worse, if it was necessary. He thought it would be the easiest bounty he'd ever earned, until he came face-to- face with Willow Taylor. No woman had ever touched his heart before, and now
Lobo faced the toughest challenge of all. Did he dare to reveal his true self to this spirited, giving woman?

Within her heart there lived a love of the open frontier - and a passion for a lawless gunman
Her name was Willow .... Strong and determined, she survived in a tough land taking on the challenges of the wild West as she worked her ranch with the small band of outcasts she'd claimed as her family. There was nothing she couldn't handle on her own-until a silent and mysterious gunman came to town and haunted her with his piercing gaze and his fiery touch ....

So what is it about the bad boy that we find so appealing? There are many things but one of the big ones for me is they never really feel like they fit it. In most cases they come from the 'wrong' side and overcompensate their sense of isolation by being bad. But what they really want is to belong but because of their backgrounds, they aren't sure.

So it's up to the heroine in many cases to make them feel really wanted and she is the one who fills that empty spot. That is so appealing for me.

Another appeal - bad boys are basically loners and it's just enjoyable to see a loner open his heart to love. They seem to have lived their lives almost waiting for the right heroine with the right key to open their hearts.

And of course it goes without saying that the bad boys of romance are always hawt!!

I did a recent list of my top 16 favourite romance books and it's no surprise that some of the bad boy heroes here are in my top 16 books

So now you know a few of my favourite bad boys and a few of my reasons why I love them. How about anyone else. Who are your favourite bad boys and if you love them like I do, why is it you love them so much? Inquiring minds want to know.

And I will leave you with a treat, though not a hero in a book, here is one of my Very Favourite Bad Boys

Nummies for Monroe

*Sigh…it’s hot out here! The sun is bright, the sand it hot, and JEEZ I’ve got sweat running down my back, between the "twins" and some other really uncomfortable places…but oh wait…look who’s coming…my cabana boys with my drinky-poo! ;o) Lets see who makes the roll call. (btw…yes I know some are vamps…my island is magical and the sun just doesn’t bother them lol – these are in no particular order)

1.) Edward Cullen – The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
…ya I’m a teenager at heart. I’d scream, claw, and faint if I saw Mr. Cullen in my hut! I can’t help but melt all through reading those Twilight books. Edward is so effing romantic with all of his poetic thoughts and words! Mmm…Bella is one lucky gal! ;o)

2.) Luc Martineau – See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson
I LOVE HOCKEY (Go Red Wings) and this hockey player has one horseshoe tattoo that I’d love to run my tongue across! Yowza! He rough, tough and let me tell you that you won’t mind all the penalties for high sticking! ;o)


3.) Calvin Morrisey – Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
This man oozes with charm and good looks. He is your typical hot-shot lover and knows how to have a good time! Cal appreciates a curvy woman and to me there’s nothing sexier than a man that will feed you all the carbs you want! Lol

4.) Henry De Tamble – The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Oh man, I loved Henry in this book. He was so angst ridden in his life. You seriously wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be alright. At the same time he was so passionate with everything in his life. And let me tell you this man is STEAMY! He can time travel to my island anytime!





5.) Eric Northman – The Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris
OH MAN! Eric hold a special place in my little heart.


6.) Derek Craven – Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
This man lives a fast and exciting life! :o) Derek is a dark lover with a dirty dirty past…I think I’ll take him into the ocean and clean him off! Lol

7.) Gage Travis – Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas
Rich…hot…and has great sex in a limo! Lol Can he take his limo moves to my hut? I THINK HE CAN!!! Gage is my fav Travis man (although Id love to take them all on!) I always picture him in a hot and sexy suit…I don’t think his clothes will make it in the plane crash to the island!

8.) Jacob Black – The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
COME ON…could I REALLY have Edward and not Jacob?!? NOPE! This boy makes me just as hot. I LOVE me some Were’s. They are aggressive and possessive! Mmmm…this man (ya I say man even though he's pretty young) can make me howl at the moon!

You can visit Monroe at her "normal" home at Monroe with a Twist. Thanks for visiting Monroe!