New Love Stories Magazine

New Love Stories Magazine launches in January...with my story, Culinary Magic, on page 6!

Google Alerts

If not for Google Alerts, I wouldn't have known I was nominated for a CAPA Award.

Psyche Award: (The Psyche Award is a category for romances that did not meet the nomination criteria but that our reviewers felt deserved special recognition.)

Found by Jenna Bayley-Burke (The Wild Rose Press)

It is a HUGE list of stories that were nominated, but still cool, yes?

Z is for zipped up!

I did it! I zipped up an alphabet of blog posts. Good to know I can actually pull it off.

Y is for Yule Log

Because it plays on TV every Christmas...

X is for X-posted

X-posted...has to be yahell-speak if ever there was such a thing. But it is darned handy...especially when you have a book coming out on the 29th (which Amazon claims to be shipping now!)

Her Cinderella Complex
She’s got the man—and the wedding—of her dreams. If only love were part of the fantasy.


Her Cinderella Complex is a sweet romance about a woman who is dreaming of happily ever after with a man who views their relationship as yet another business transaction. I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. -- Gotta Write Network

"The characters were splendid and jumped off the pages. The whole concept of the story was very intriguing and was enough to keep me glued to the pages until I finished the book. Would this happen in the real world? It would be very nice if it did and I was Heather. The sexual tension was exactly where it needed to be." - Fallen Angel Reviews

"This is a fantastic story with very strong characters who were beautifully written and I immediately fell in love with both of them." The Good, The Bad, and the Unread

"Her Cinderella Complex was a wonderfully sexy and fun book...Their sexual encounters were extremely erotic...Her Cinderella Complex is the first book that I have read by Ms. Bayley-Burke and it won't be the last." The Romance Studio

"Her Cinderella Complex is a delightful gem that had me laughing out loud and rooting for these two people to make it. Just when I’d think I had the plot figured out the author, Jenna Bayley-Burke would throw me a curve, which kept me on my toes, and interested in finding out what happened next! The relationship between Heather and Curtis is a welcome and refreshing change from the typical alpha male and the all-too-willing-to-agree female pairings that tend to dominate these types of love stories. This is a fast-paced book that will not only have you smiling but enjoying the hot, steamy and sometime funny love scenes. At no point does the story drag. So do yourself a favor and treat yourself to having a good time while reading Her Cinderella Complex ." - Literary Nymphs

W is for Wikipedia Tours

Daily Lit has divided up classic novels and will send snippets to your inbox - Dickens is so much more worthwhile than those sale ads from the Gap. I've done a couple books from there...classics work better for me than contemporary stories. Probably because the classics were written to be read in installments. Anyway...

Daily Lit has Wikipedia tours...a bit o' learnin' in your email every day. Educate yourself about :

Wikipedia Tour: Wine 101
Wikipedia Tour: Wonders of the World
Wikipedia Tour: Famous Poets
Wikipedia Tour: Masterpieces of Western Art

and lots more! Better than a daily calendar! I'm thinking of doing the art one.

V is for Violin

I can play the violin, clarinet, and piano. Not well, mind you. In fact I doubt I could manage more than Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...but I can play.

Can you plan an instrument?

U is for UNDERWEAR

OK...so guys have had to face the BOXERS OR BRIEFS question for years...why don't women get asked BRIEFS or THONG? Is it because there are so many choices? BIKINI or HI-CUT? Not to mention BOY SHORTS...and MAGIC KNICKERS...

Fun With Goal Setting

I did a quick workshop at Romance Divas, Fun With Goal Setting. It's the process I use each year to look ahead at what I want for my career. Check it out !

T is for...Thinking

I'm thinking of a new story! The Marriage Promise

...with Aaron & Gwen

...Las Vegas

...roses

...and what just might be a legally binding contract!

S is for SNOW!!

It's official...the boys had a clean sweep of snow days this week! They're thrilled...and I'm trying to start a new story...I once tried to write a book while waiting to hear from my editor. That didn't work, but this time I'm sure she's going to take the holidays off and I've been trying to write this story for 2 years. Yes, 2 years it's been in my tickle file.

Yesterday I was actaully productive...got a bunch of research done, baked 5 batches of cookies, got most of the holiday cards out...it never ends, does it?

R is for ...Reading I did in 2008

1. Love's Encore by Rachel Ryan aka Sandra Brown (Candlelight Ecstacy Romance)
2. The Game Is Played by Amii Lorin (Candlelight Ecstacy Romance)
3. A Very Merry Christmas by Lori Foster / Gemma Bruce / Janice Maynard
4. My Guilty Pleasure by Jamie Denton (Blaze)


5. One Night, One Baby by Kate Hardy (Modern Extra/Presents)


6. Billionaire's Favorite Fantasy by Jan Colley (Desire)
   
7. The Australian Millionaire's Love-Child by Robyn Grady (Presents)


8. Mistress at a Price by Sara Craven (Presents)


9. Carnal Desires by Crystal Jordan


10. Nauti Nights (The Nauti Trilogy, Book 2) by Lora Leigh


11. Mother Warriors: A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds by Jenny McCarthy


12. Mom, They're Teasing Me


13. Food Chaining


14. A Treasure Worth Seeking by Rachel Ryan aka Sandra Brown (Candlelight Ecstacy Romance)


15. Mystical Traveler by Sylvia Browne


16. Louder Than Words by Jenny McCarthy


17. Wishcraft : How to Get What You Really Want


18. Writing The Great American Romance by Catherine Lanigan


19. SECRETS Volume 15


20. When Your Body Gets the Blues: The Clinically Proven Program for Women Who Feel Tired, Stressed, and Eat Too Much!


21. Sleep to be Sexy, Smart, and Slim


22. Body Signs


23. Caretti's Forced Bride by Jennie Lucas (Presents)


24. Secret Source: The Law of Attraction Is One of Seven Ancient Hermetic Laws: Here Are the Other Six


25. Yes, You’re Pregnant But What About Me? by Kevin Nealon


26. Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovitch


27. I Had the Right to Remain Silent...But I Didn't Have the Ability by Ron White


28. Falling For Mr. Dark & Dangerous by Donna Alward (Romance)


29. Sex By The Numbers by Marie Donovan (Blaze)


30. A Brush With love by Maria Isabel Pita


31. Secret Seduction by Lori Wilde (Blaze)


32. Whisper by Rose Middleton


33. Hired ; The Sheik's Secretary Mistress by Lucy Monroe (Presents)


34. Spanish Billionaire, Innocent Wife by Kate Walker (Presents)


35. Psychic Children by Sylvia Browne


36. The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley


37. The Billionaire's Marriage Mission by Helen Brooks (Presents)


38. Slightly Psychic by Sandra Steffen (NEXT)
    
39. The Trials of Angela by Millie Criswell


40. Leaving L.A. by Rexanne Becnel (NEXT)
    
41. Which End Is Up? by Patricia Kay (NEXT)


42. The Greek Tycoon's Convenient Bride by Kate Hewitt (Presents)


43. Driving Him Wild by Julie Cohen (Modern Extra)


44. His Mistress by Arrangement by Natalie Anderson (Modern Extra/Presents)


45. The Secrets of the Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer


46. SECRETS Volume 2


47. Sylvia Browne's Book of Dreams


48. SECRETS Volume 3


49. SECRETS Volume 13


50. SECRETS Volume 5


51. For Blackmail...Or Pleasure by Robyn Grady (Desire)


52. The Rancher's Rules by Lucy Monroe (Presents)


53. The Knight Before Christmas by Jackie Ivie


54. The Sleeping Beauty Proposal by Sarah Strohmeyer


55. Hired For The Boss's Bed by Robyn Grady (Presents)


56. Mistress For a Weekend by Susan Napier ) (Presents)


57. The Millionaire's Marriage Demand - Sandra Field (Presents)


58. Getting Down to Business by Ally Blake (Modern Extra)


59. Tangled Up In You by Rachel Gibson


60. Secrets, Volume 16: Forbidden Desires


61. Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids by Christina Katz


62. Pregnancy Of Passion by Lucy Monroe (Presents)


63. One Night Stand by Sandra Field (Presents)


64. Crowned: An Ordinary Girl by Natasha Oakley (Romance)


65. The Australian's Housekeeper Bride by Lindsay Armstrong (Presents)


66. 101 Ways to Transform Your Life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer


67. Poseidon's Daughter by Jessica Hart (Romance-vintage)


68. Wild Wild West by Charlene Teglia


69. Rejection Romance and Royalties by Laura Resnick (NEXT)


70. True Confessions of the Startford Park PTA by Nancy Robards Thompson (NEXT)


71. No One Cares What You Had For Lunch : 100 ideas for your blog


72. Falling For The Frenchman by Claire Baxter (Romance)


73. Wish Come True by Patricia Kay (NEXT)


74. Manifest Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer


75. Wedding Bell Blues by Charlotte Douglas (NEXT)


76. The Magnate's Marriage Demand by Robyn Grady (Desire)


77. Sexiest Man Alive by Diana Holquist


78. How to Get What You Really, Really Want by Wayne W. Dyer


79. The Ruthless Marriage Bid by Elizabeth Power (Presents)


80. Contracted: A Wife For The Bedroom by Carol Marinelli (Presents)


81. The Boss's Wife For A Week by Anne McAllister (Presents)


82. 3 Brides for 3 Bad Boys by Lucy Monroe (Brava)


83. The Brazilian's Blackmail Bargain by Abby Green (Presents)


84. The Mile High Club by Heidi Rice (Modern Extra)


85. The Scent of Shadows (Sign of the Zodiac, Book 1) by Vicki Pettersson


86. SECRETS Volume 21


87. A Christmas To Remember by Kay Stockham (Supers)


88. The Witch's Wedding by Rosalie Ash (Romance - vintage)


89. Ex Marks The Spot by Merline Lovelace (NEXT)


90. Underneath It All by Lori Borrill (Blaze)


91. All Night With The Boss by Natalie Anderson (Presents/Modern Extra)


92. After The Honeymoon by Alexandra Scott (Romance) vintage


93. One Night Standards - Cathy Yardley (Blaze)


94. The Getaway Groom by Molly Liholm (Temptation)


95. Holiday Wishes - Kate Austin, Stevi Mittman, Mary Schramski (NEXT)


96. At The Billionaire's Bidding - Trish Wylie (Presents/Modern Extra)


97. Doing Ireland - Kate Hoffman (Blaze)


98. My Tall, Dark Greek Boss - Anna Cleary (Modern Extra)


99. Mere Anarchy - Woody Allen


100. The Millionaire's Marriage Claim - Lindsay Armstrong (Presents)


101. The Unexpected Pregnancy - Catherine George (Presents)


102. Behind The Scenes by Trish Jensen (Modern Extra)

Q is for QUICK! Think of something to do!

Cabin fever has set in after just 4 days of being house-bound. The snow and ice are daunting, and a storm is blowing in this morning, with another this weekend. The weather pundits claim we should have all stocked up on essentials yesterday...which made me wonder if there isn't some shopping conspiracy...

...think I can personally move Hanukkah so we can give the boys the Wii?

P is for PANIC!!

Eh, I don't have the energy to panic...but if I did, knowing that the boys would likely have snow days ALL WEEK, and then two weeks of Winter Break...I might panic, trying to figure out how I was supposed to get any work done with them begging to play outside!

It might be fun...but I can't play :( I have to bundle up and tote around the baby. At least she has a wicket cute snowsuit!

O is for Online Samhellion Holiday Hunt

Are you prepared to undertake a festive mission?

How to Play:
Each author has placed a graphic of a Christmas bulb (ornament, not light) on their website. Go to each website on the list, locate the bulb and write down the color. Please note - each graphic is within 2 clicks from the main page of the site.

Once you’ve collected all the info, come back here and fill out the form!

Each entry will be used for a random drawing for a free ebooks from all participating authors. (33 ebooks / winners total)

This week these elves have hidden the ornaments ::

1. Anne Hope
2. Jenna Bayley-Burke
3. Denise A. Agnew
4. JC Wilder
5. Monica Burns

N is for New Reading Challenges I'm thinking of signing up for...

2009 Audiobook Challenge which encourages participants to listen to books. The guidelines are:
Listen to 12 books.
You do not need to make a list ahead of time; lists can change at any time.For sign ups, visit the post about the challenge and use Mr. Linky to link directly to your post about the challenge.

Socrates Book Reviews is once again hosting the Harlequin/Silhouette Romance Reading Challenge with just a few changes. Read five books as follows:

Read 1 book with a holiday theme.

Read 1 book by an author you never read before.

Read 1 book with one of these words in the title - wedding, marriage, husband or wife

Read 1 book set in a place you've never been before.

Read 1 book with a body of water in the title (i.e. water, lake, river, island, etc.)

Guidelines for the challenge are:
You can change books in the middle of the year, nothing is written in stone!
Books used in this challenge may be used in other challenges.
Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebook.
As you read the books for the challenge, return to the challenge blog to post your reviews.
Link the challenge to your blog using the challenge button.There will also be a prize for one participant who completes the challenge!To sign up, leave a comment on the post about the challenge.

The Bookworm is hosting the Romance Reading Challenge for 2009. She points out that Romance Reading is not just about the bodice-rippers...
There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.The goal is to read a minimum of five (5) Romance novels during the challenge period. You can change your list at any times and crossovers with other challenges is allowed. Naida is encouraging you to provide links to your reviews of the books you read.To sign up, visit the post about the challenge and use Mr. Linky (also leave a comment!).





Rob Around Books is hosting 100 Shots of Shorts - a reading challenge designed to encourage the reading of short stories. Rob writes:
Why the name? Well to me, reading a short story is very much akin to slugging down a shot of spirit or coffee - it offers a quick on-the-fly story hit to boost spirit and/or morale, so I could think of no better term to give it.Rob has links to some awesome short literature, and has created his own list of shorts he wants to read. To join in, visit Rob at his blog and leave him a comment with a link to your post about the challenge.





Books and Life is hosting the second Installation of the Chick Lit Challenge. The rules are:
Read at least 10 chick lit books.
Books can overlap with other challenges.
You can change your list at any time.To sign up, visit Twiga and leave her a comment on the post about the challenge.

1. Read a romance by an author whose last name starts with "G"
2. Read a romance from a sub-genre you don't usually read from: contemporary, historical, romantic suspense, paranormal, etc.
3. Read a romance containing a titled name in its title such as viscount, duke, duchess, princess, prince, etc.
4. Read a romance published in 2009
   

M is for My Poem

I tossed together a poem about my love for the Grinch and loathing for book pimpage. It's over at Killer Fiction today.

L is for Love Gives Back

For every 100,000 pages browsed from selected new titles on Avon's website, Avon will donate 100 books to ProLiteracy Worldwide*, an organization that promotes literacy around the world. This runs through December 23, 2008, and they'll donate up to 1,000 books, so start reading and share the love!

Read first chapters of ::

Or complete novels like::

Plus...I'm at the Samhain blog today talking about regifting!

K is for Krazee!!

...what makes me go hmmmm over at the Rose City Romance Writers blog.

J is for Jumping Around

What to do, what to do... A week ago I was struggling to finish two projects, never thinking I'd get to start something new again...now both projects are off my desk (the revised partial is sitting in an inbox in England, the erotica I started a year ago is done...and contracted to Phaze. Jenna Allen will finally get a new release this spring)

So now...I could finish the partial...but the editor wants to help and she has fun ideas...and I'm all about the fun, so I'll wait to see what she thinks.

I have jumped between three stories today...and just might start a new one. Maybe a short story I can finish before the holidays hit.

I is for Igloo

Because that's what sugar cubes are for.

H is for...Her Cinderella Complex

Her Cinderella Complex comes out December 29! But, it's up for pre-order now. I think Amazon has it the cheapest.




She’s got the man—and the wedding—of her dreams. If only love were part of the fantasy.

G is for Giveaway!

and a FREE story from moi... First Love, Second Chance

F is for Carbon FREE

Let's all make an effort to conserve where we can during the holidays.

Start with one day of carbon neutrality. Click here and Brighter Planet will donate 136 pounds of carbon offsets in your name. These offsets help fund renewable energy projects and are an important part of fighting climate change. For conservation recommendations take a look here.

E is for European Book Tour

My parents love to vacation, particularly on cruise ships. Each ship has a library, and my mother has made it her mission to get my books in every cruise ship library. She packs a few editions with her each time they get on a ship. It's a great way to get some use out of the foreign editions Mills & Boon sends me, since people from all over the world love to cruise.

Last month it was Germany, this month it was the Mediterranean.

At least my books have seen the wonders of Europe :0 Thanks guys!

D is for...eh, I'm shopping

...over at the Pink Heart Society today, talking about Romantic Holiday Gifts

C is for...Christmas!

Hey, it's December...what can I say? Have you jumped on the holiday bandwagon yet? I have to admit...I haven't even cleaned up Halloween completely! There are still bat window clings up! The boys aren't willing to let them go just yet...maybe if I bribe them with the stockings...

B is for Books...

Free ones even! Check out theese great contests ::

Samhellion Holiday Hunt
Samhain Winner Wonderland

A is For Author

Sometimes I forget the wonder that comes over people when they learn I'm an author. I've learned it has absolutely nothing to do with me, but with that secret desire most people have to write a book. They think there is some magic that those of us who've done it can sprinkle on them the way Tinkerbell does pixie dust.

Of course we can't...but I'm feeling introspective about the year and am thinking about the year ahead...I'm thinking of using the alphabet to see what I want 2009 to be for me. I know I want there to be more stories in it, so A is for Author...

Authors Play With Words