Free Book Friday - MY Edition

So, I've been doing FBF for about two years now. Given away a lot of books. Good times. But today is probably the bestest version of FBF evah. Why? Because today, I'm giving away a copy of MY book. :)

As you know, a box showed up on my doorstep February 28th. It was filled with these beautiful little copies of the book I wrote. I've sent some to reviewers, some out for basket donations, and one copy is going to one of you lucky commenters today. Win it before you can buy it! :)



WHAT LIES BENEATH
by Andrea Laurence
April 2012, Harlequin Desire #2152

She’s Awake. So Why Can’t She Remember?

They say she’s Cynthia Dempsey, fiancée of media mogul Will Taylor. But try as she might, she can’t recall their high-society life or the man sitting by her hospital bed. Though her body certainly remembers him. Even as she senses the distance between them, the electricity when they touch is undeniable.

Will can hardly believe Cynthia’s transformation. Gone is the ice queen who betrayed him, and in her place is a woman who seems genuine and warm. But can he risk his heart again, not knowing what might happen when her memory returns?

I've been looking forward to this for so long. It's just awesome. To enter, comment with the phrase "You never forget your first" and tell me about the first time you did something that really stuck with you... The first time you saw the ocean? First time you held your baby? The first time you saw your husband?
SP

Free Book Friday - Valentine Edition

Valentine's Day is in the air on the Playground. Everywhere you go, there's cards, flowers and red foil-wrapped candies just waiting for some desperate man to come scoop them up at the last minute. Like mine. Bless his heart. :)

So, perusing my freebie shelf, I spied a title that just screamed Valentine's Day - Crazy for Love by Victoria Dahl.

To win, comment with the phrase "I'm crazy for free books" and tell me about how far you've gone to avoid doing something you didn't want to do!

Crazy for Love by Victoria Dahl

Chloe Turner thought she was going to marry the perfect man--until her fiance's plane crashed. And then she got the "really" bad news: he'd tried to fake his own death to avoid marrying her. Now America's most famous bridezilla (a tag she most definitely does "not" deserve), Chloe escapes to a remote island to avoid the paparazzi. And right next door is a man who just might be the cure for Chloe's heartache....

A magnet for wild, complicated women, Max Sullivan is relieved to have finally found someone "normal." Chloe is his girl-next-door fantasy come to life, and best of all, she "gets" him. With her, he can be himself, a treasure-hunting millionaire who desperately wants out of his sexy but reckless job. But when Chloe's notoriety catches up with them, will their torrid romance make it to the mainland?

Wow. Faking your own death to avoid marrying someone. That's pretty drastic. Have you ever faked being sick or something to get out of doing something you didn't want to do? I've done that a time or two. I've also faked someone else's death. My grandmother "died" the day before Thanksgiving, so I missed my college chemistry test. Very sudden and tragic and strategically timed for me to leave campus early and go to Tucson. If you know my grandmother, you know that's just wishful thinking on my part. Fortunately, he didn't ask for a death certificate. And yes, karma bit me. I got a C in that class. Stupid chemistry.

SP

Free Book Friday - Frosty Funk Edition

I was perusing my giveaway shelf today and a gem caught my eye. I thought it would make a great giveaway for this month's Free Book Friday.

Why? Well, sadly, the title leapt out at me because this is my least favorite time of year. I pretty much slip into a funk and stay there until May. I don't get any holidays off work until Memorial Day. It's cold. Work usually triples, time disintegrates, and I constantly obsess about losing weight and other resolutions I won't keep. Like flossing.

When I looked at the shelf, I thought it said "Killing Me Slowly." Yeah, that's how it feels. Then, on second glance, I realized it was "Killing Me Softly" and the song implanted in my brain for the duration. And even worse, it was the Fugees cover of it. But here's your chance to pick up this autographed copy to help you out of your own winter funk!

Killing Me Softly

by Maggie Shayne (autographed!)

The Nightcap Strangler, who terrorized the town of Shadow Falls sixteen years ago, has finally been executed. Case closed. Until Bryan Kendall's lover is murdered in the notorious killer's unique style and the rookie cop stands accused. Has someone committed the perfect copycat crime...or was the wrong man put to death?

A continent away, Dawn Jones hears that her first love has been accused of murder and knows that only she can help him. But to do so, she'll have to face the very fears that drove them apart.

Together they'll work to uncover secrets someone's willing to kill to keep, and renew a love as dangerous as it is inevitable. And their best lead is the girl found dead in Bryan's bed, reeking of the whiskey poured down her throat before her killer squeezed it shut.

A killer who thinks that Dawn, too, could use one last drink...

To win, comment today with one of the things you like BEST about this time of year so I can find some positive ways to spin this time of year.

SP

Free Book Friday - Christmas Edition

I'm doing Free Book Friday a little early this month. Technically it's the Friday of the first full week of the month, but if you think I'm setting foot in a post office that late in December, you are sadly mistaken. And since the winner would probably want to read their Christmas book at Christmas time, I need to get it out ASAP.

This month we have a special treat. It's autographed by two of the authors in the anthology - Vicki Lewis Thompson and Rhonda Nelson!

Merry Christmas, Baby!
with stories by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Rhonda Nelson and Jennifer LaBrecque

Who will you find under your Christmas tree?

A cowboy?
Ranch hand Tucker Rankin isn't crazy about the holidays…until a wintry night before Christmas, when Lacey Evans shows him how much fun it is to be nestled all snug in her bed….

A wealthy New Yorker?
Stockbroker Jared Martin needs to get away, and Alaska's the perfect place to unwind. Especially once actress Theodora "Teddy" Monroe gets him to loosen his tie—and take it all off!

Or maybe even a man in uniform?

Soldier Silas Davenport is on Christmas leave. But when he arrives at his parents' home, no one is there…except for the irresistible Delphie Moreau. And she's one gift he won't be exchanging!

To win, comment with the phrase "I want a ____________" under by tree and pick your favorite - a soldier, a cop, a detective, a millionaire, a vampire... your choice!

SP

Free Book Friday - Historical Edition

Today is 11-11-11. That's weird! I bet there's a lot of people getting married today so their husbands can remember their anniversary. Personally, I'm holding out for October 11, 2012 and 1:14 PM... 10-11-12, 13:14. :)

Okay, now lets focus on something that's not weird - historicals. Historicals are the meaty backbone of romance and today I'm giving away a great one.

Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran

She's been burned not once but twice by London's so-called gentlemen...

Gwen Maudsley is pretty enough to be popular, and plenty wealthy, too. But what she's best known and loved for is being so very, very nice. When a cad jilts her at the altar--again--the scandal has her outraged friends calling for blood. Only Gwen has a different plan. If "nice "no longer works for her, then it's time to learn to be "naughty." Happily, she knows the perfect tutor--Alexander Ramsey, her late brother's best friend and a notorious rogue.

So why won't a confirmed scoundrel let her be as bad as she wants to be?Unbeknownst to Gwen, Alex's aloof demeanor veils his deepest unspoken desire. He has no wish to see her change, nor to tempt himself with her presence when his own secrets make any future between them impossible. But on a wild romp from Paris to the Riviera, their friendship gives way to something hotter, darker, and altogether more dangerous. With Alex's past and Gwen's newly unleashed wildness on a collision course, Gwen must convince Alex that his wickedest intentions are exactly what she needs.

Today, share what your favorite historical book or author is. And to win, comment with the phrase, "Wicked Becomes Me!"

SP

Free Book Friday - Halloween Edition

Fall has arrived. I'm so damn excited, I can barely contain myself, and if you know me at all, that must mean I really like fall. It's like my reward for putting up with summer. Or a bribe to get me through the winter. Honestly, I'm not used to seasons. I grew up in Arizona and Nevada where its really just hot or cold. Dry or wet. No shades of gray. Fall is just a slightly less warm and more wet transition on the way to our winter, which while not super cold, was freezing to us. When summer hits 120, 55 is a parka weather. I grew up with no changing leaves. No pumpkin patches to visit, just a patch in the parking lot with them lined up to buy. No college football madness. At best, we had great weather for Halloween, guaranteed.

Which brings me to Free Book Friday! Since its October, I thought I'd offer up a great paranormal to get everyone in the spirit of things. This one is autographed, folks!

Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey

(Book 1 in the Nicki Styx Series)

There's something about almost dying that makes a girl rethink her priorities. Take Nicki Styx--she was strictly goth and vintage, until a brush with the afterlife leaves her with the ability to see dead people.

Before you can say boo, Atlanta's ghosts are knocking at Nicki's door. Now her days consist of reluctantly cleaning up messes left by the dearly departed, leading ghouls to the Light . . . and one-on-one anatomy lessons with Dr. Joe Bascombe, the dreamy surgeon who saved her life. All this catering to the deceased is a real drag, especially for a girl who'd rather be playing hanky-panky with her hunky new boyfriend . . . who's beginning to think she's totally nuts.

But things get even more complicated when a friend foolishly sells her soul to the devil, and Nicki's new gift lands her in some deep voodoo.

As it turns out for Nicki Styx, death was just the beginning.

To win, comment with the phrase "I'm in some deep voodoo!" and tell me your favorite thing about the fall.

SP

Free Book Friday - Love Inspired Suspense Edition

It's Free Book Friday again! The other day, when I was thinking about what theme I wanted for this month, I ran across a Twitter post from Love Inspired editor Emily Rodmell. I follow several editors, even ones I'm not targeting, because they share lots of universal tips for writing and submitting in addition to specific insight to their lines. The other day, she even asked for a LI Suspense set on safari. If you were writing one or thinking about writing one, that's an invitation, people.

You'd also learn that she's a huge animal lover (so make it a photo safari, please). She ran a contest giving away a book to a follower that could guess one of the animals she had on her wall. My first guess was wrong (I can't not answer, I'm too competitive) but then she gave the hint that 3 out of 5 were black and white. I won with "Pandas" and "Penguins." Apparently she also had Chik Fil A cows, a shark and a jellyfish. My first guess was a dolphin, so I was close.

Long story, but point is... I won a book and you're going to benefit. I'm passing it along to one of our readers today. Think inspirational romance isn't for you? Think again. Today's author Dana Mentink also writes cozy mysteries. Think of a LI suspense as a cozy mystery with romance and redemption.

Buried Truth by Dana Mentink

"Coming for you."

A note, impaled by a knife on Bill Cloudman's door, tells the former tribal agent a murderer has escaped. The vicious madman who murdered Bill's partner--and cost Bill the community's trust and his job--is on the loose in the South Dakota badlands again. Bill vows to put him behind bars once and for all. But when the woman he loved and lost returns to Eagle Rock reservation as a newspaper reporter determined to restore her own reputation with the story, Bill has to protect her...and his guarded heart.

To win, comment with the phrase "I'm Coming For This Book!" and share a little about your past experience with inspirational romances. Have you read any great ones that would make a reader hesitant about the genre change their minds? Share some of your favorites.
SP

PS. Smarty Pants is blogging today at eHarlequin. Join her to chat about your favorite heroes.

PSS. Janice's winner from yesterday's blog is EllenToo! Ellen, email me with your info at smartypants@writingplayground.com to claim your prize.

Free Book Friday - Random Edition

So I'm staring at my bookshelf trying to decide what to give away this month. I'm done so many different themes - cowboys, vampires, paranormals, tornados... I'm running out of ideas. So, I'm going to cop out this month and make it a sort of "pin the tail on the bookshelf!"

After I select my winner, I will close my eyes, reach into the stacks and pull out 1 to 3 books, depending on my mood (and stock of shipping envelopes). Whatever I grab, you could win.

To enter, tell me about what some of your favorite themes, lines or heroes are. Give me some ideas for future FBF giveaways.
SP

Free Book Friday Winner

It is late in coming, but I've finally picked a winner for last week's FBF giveaway. The winner of "No Mercy" by Sherrilyn Kenyon and "With This Fling..." by Kelly Hunter is... CAROLINE. Email your snail mail info to me at smartypants (at) writingplayground (dot) com to claim your prize!

Free Book Friday - Conference Edition

Man, I'm whooped. Conference kicked my tail. But as always, it was fun. As an introvert, it pretty much sucks my soul out and I have go crawl under a rock for a few days to recouperate.

While I'm recovering from my normal post-Nationals hangover, lets give away some of the books I picked up while I was there. I hit several of the obligatory publisher signings, got a bag of books from RWA, guest speakers, etc., so there's plenty to give away this next year.

First, one from our Awards Luncheon speaker, Sherrilyn Kenyon.


No Mercy by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Live fast, fight hard and if you have to die then take as many of your enemies with you as you can. That is the Amazon credo and it was one Samia lived and died by. Now in contemporary New Orleans, the immortal Amazon warrior is about to learn that there's a worse evil coming to slaughter mankind than she's ever faced before. Shapeshifter Dev Peltier has stood guard at the front of Sanctuary for almost two hundred years and in that time, he's seen it all. Or so he thought. Now their enemies have discovered a new source of power- one that makes a mockery of anything faced to date. The war is on and Dev and Sam are guarding ground zero. But in order to win, they will have to break the most cardinal of all rules and pray it doesn't unravel the universe as we know it.

Next, one from RITA finalist, Kelly Hunter, who was very nice to me when the last martini hit me like a ton of bricks at the HQ party and I became an idiot.

With This Fling... by Kelly Hunter

Successful archaeologist Charlotte Greenstone has no time for men, so invents a convenient one--who bears a highly "inconvenient" resemblance to sexy stranger Greyson Tyler! To protect her mortifying white lie, Charlotte begs Grey to act as her temporary fiance....

One glimpse of Charlotte's killer curves, and Grey can't resist making his own outrageous proposition--he'll pretend to be her fiance... if they can enjoy "all" the benefits of being a couple! Smoking-hot Grey is definitely fling material, but Charlotte knows that's all it can ever be.... Isn't it?

To win, comment with the phrase "I want to stow away in your luggage & go to conference next year!"

Free Book Friday -- The Celebration Edition!

We're switching the schedule up a bit this week, and I'm hosting Free Book Friday today. In honor of Smarty Pants's recent sale to Harlequin Desire, we're having Free Book Friday -- The Celebration Edition.

And today's free books are... Desires! Two of them are from a while back, but absolute favorites of mine.

First we have THE SINS OF HIS PAST (an autographed copy) by Roxanne St. Claire.

HE HAD SOME ATONING TO DO
For one incredible night, Kendra Locke gave Deuce Monroe everything she had. Then he walked away without a backward glance to chase his big-league dreams as far as they would take him. Years later, after one daredevil stunt too many, Deuce was back in his hometown, ready to pick up where he left off.

Kendra had no intention of letting him. The consequences of that one night had shattered her dreams. Now what Deuce wanted threatened her future...especially when he tempted her with the sensual promise of more time in his bed. Could she be the one to walk away?

Next we have HIS STYLE OF SEDUCTION also by Roxanne St. Claire.

TAILOR MADE
When powerful businessman Jackson Locke found Lily Harper soaking wet on his doorstep, he couldn't believe his luck. Little did he know the dark-haired beauty had been hired to do a job and not the one Jack might have fantasized about. Now a storm had left them stranded, hot and bothered, and Jack was stuck between lust and pride. Lily's assignment was to change him into something he wasn't.

But Jack's destiny was to rock her world, and he intended to do it on his terms...

And finally, we have a brand new Desire from debut Desire author Cat Schield -- MEDDLING WITH A MILLIONAIRE, released just last week.

Emma Montgomery wouldn't be manipulated into marriage as part of Daddy's business deal — even if he cut off access to her trust fund until she complied. The talented jewelry designer would just make her own way. Or go down trying. Too bad her intended groom — maverick businessman and former crush Nathan Case — made her stubborn stance so difficult. The heat of his touch had her nearly betraying herself at every turn. Resisting Nathan and regaining her money were the name of the game — but meddling with this millionaire might land her right back in his arms!

To enter to win, comment with the phrase "Let's celebrate SP's sale!" One lucky commenter will win all three books.

And come back on June 22 when Cat Schield will be guest blogging with us.

Free Book Friday Winner

Since Blogger is being stupid, this is going to be my post for today!

The winner of last week's FBF is... Chelsea Rafferty! Since she lives in Florida, she'll need something to keep her busy when tornado season ends and hurricane season starts.

Email me at smartypants@writingplayground.com to claim your prize!

Free Book Friday - Twister Edition

I have to admit, the last two weeks have been some of the longest and most difficult weeks of my life. I'm emotionally spent, physically exhausted and waiting for the next shoe (of course an expensive, fabulous stiletto, but a shoe nonetheless) to drop.

So what kind of book giveaway is appropriate for something like that? This might be in poor taste, but after searching my bookshelf and finding this title, I figured, well, will there ever be another time to give this away? I certainly hope not. So here it is.


Blown Away by Sharon Sala

Writer Cari North thought she knew all there was to know about plot twists--until she stumbled across her ex-fiance, Lance Morgan, digging a shallow grave in the Louisiana woods. After one horrifying moment of shared recognition, Cari knew her life hinged upon whether she could outrun Lance and the hurricane-spawned tornado that was barreling down on their heels.

Just when she thinks she's lost Lance and heads for home, the storm throws in yet another twist that will change her fate--forever.

Cari's house, her family--her entire life--have been wiped out by the storm. Badly injured herself, and knowing Lance will come after her, she trades clothing and ID with the near-identical cousin who'd been visiting and flees to Baton Rouge. While the world mourns Cari North, she begins an agonizing recovery as her cousin Susan--until Susan's boss calls her bluff and finds himself drawn into her incredible tale.

Hunted by a man she once loved, sheltered by a man she hardly knows, Cari chooses to become the bait...and plots the twist of a lifetime to catch a killer.

I kinda feel bad for the characters - its enough to deal with a tornado, another entirely to deal with a tornado and a killer. But I bet it makes for a better story to read than it is to live. Everyone make it through okay? Got any storm stories to share? To enter to win, comment with the phrase "I'd rather be blown away by a great story!"

SP

Free Book Friday - Luncheon Edition

Coming up at the end of this month, Heart of Dixie, or home RWA chapter, is sponsoring their annual romance readers' luncheon. This year, we have the fabulous and funny Kerrelyn Sparks joining us. We're all very excited and working hard to get this event put together flawlessly.

To commemmorate, I'm giving away an autographed copy of Kerrelyn's book!

Secret Life of a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Nothing's sexier than an man who can keep a secret.

A typical bachelor party is all about beers and beautiful women. A vampire bachelor party is no different -- except the men are drinking Blissky (whiskey-flavored synthetic blood). And no one can throw a party quite like Jack, the illegitimate son of the legendary Casanova. But when the party gets out of hand and the cops show up, Jack has some explaining to do . . . if only he wasn't struck speechless by the beauty of Officer Lara Boucher.

Lara is sure there's something more than a bachelor party going on. What is Jack hiding? And why is he so interested in the recent disappearance of young women all over town? Her investigation uncovers more than she wants to know, especially about this modern-day Casanova. But if she's ever to make detective, she'll need to expose all his secrets . . . if only her heart wasn't on the line.

To enter, comment with the phrase "He can take a bite outta me!" and let us know if you've ever attended a reader event like this. If so, what was your favorite part?

SP

For more information on how you can come to our fabulous luncheon, click

here.

Free Book Friday - Cowboy Edition

Harlequin recently did a poll in their newsletter asking readers to pick their favorite types of heroes. They pitted vampires against shifters, cowboys against cops and sheiks against millionaires. Then they took the top three (none of the ones I voted for won, sadly) and they came out with the fan favorite...

COWBOYS

Well, yee-ha. I just happen to have a 2-in-1 Harlequin Showcase featuring the sexy cowboys of Vicki Lewis Thompson. Here's more info on what you'll get.

Two red-hot reads by "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author Vicki Lewis Thompson

"Two in the Saddle"

Travis Evans loved beautiful women--and Gwen Hawthorne was definitely a beauty. But before he could make Gwen his, another tiny female stole his heart. Gwen might have been able to withstand Travis's sensual assault when he was just a charming cowboy. But when Don Juan turned into Mr. Mom, she was lost. Gwen knew her happiness was short-lived, though. Because where there was a baby, there had to be a mother....

"Boone's Bounty"
Boone Connor liked being a loner. Women just got a guy into trouble--and Shelby McFarland had trouble written all over her. But Boone couldn't leave her and her young nephew stranded in a storm. Just as he couldn't help falling for her and her too-tempting body. But as good as they were together, Boone couldn't make Shelby any promises. Because he'd just discovered he had a baby girl....

To enter to win, comment today with the phrase "Ride Em' Cowboy" and tell us what your favorite hero is. My absolute favorite, I think, would have to be a shifter. I guess I just have this love for animals and if I could talk to one and have him actually listen to me, as opposed to my dogs who just cock their heads and go on shredding the paper, that would be great.

SP

And don't forget to pop over to Barbara Vey's blog today. The party is still going strong and Instigator has offered up a free copy of her book to one of the commenters. There's free books everywhere!!

Free Book Friday - Valentine Edition

It's that oh-so-romantic time of year where people who slouch in their relationships the rest of the time get off their rears and overpay for flowers and candy as though that makes up for 364 days of neglect. Yes, it's almost Valentine's Day. Not that you could miss it with the aisles of red and pink junk in all the stores. Maybe I'm just a Valentine cynic here, but do any of us over the age of 15 want a stuffed gorilla that says "I'm going APE over you?" Or a giant box of candy, that while tasty, dooms us to at least a 2lb weight gain that will be nothing compared to how badly we'll beat ourselves up for eating it all?

I guess I'm a purist who thinks people should value their relationships all year and not just when the companies that sell things tell them to. Although I'm sure some of us would get nothing, ever, if it wasn't for the holiday to urge them into action, albeit reluctantly. So I'm giving away a Harlequin Showcase 2 in 1 with heroes that (once the heroine drives them to their knees) show their women just how much they care all year.

Sin City Wedding by Katherine Garbera

Three years ago Jake Danforth spent a steamy, sheet-twisting night with Larissa Nielssen. He'd never forgotten her—even though Larissa had left him before the morning light. And he'd never known the consequences of their desire… Larissa had kept her son's birth a secret all this time. But now she had to tell Jake the truth before someone else did. She was prepared for Jake's shock and anger. She was even prepared for the desire flooding her veins each time he touched her. She was not prepared for the quickie Vegas wedding that followed!

The Forbidden Princess by Day Leclaire

Minutes before walking down the aisle, Princess Alyssa Sutherland—possible heir to the Verdonian throne—vanished into thin air. Rumor had it that the lady in question wasn't marrying for love. Did Her Highness catch a case of cold feet? Perhaps a certain oh-so-uninvited guest crashed the party. Did the dangerously sexy rebel kidnap the princess for political gain? Or had he simply swept the royal beauty off her feet?

What's been your best (or worst) Valentine's Day present?

SP

Free Book Friday (New Year Edition)

Wow. I honestly can't believe it's 2011, even though I've had a week to get used to it. Really, what happened to 2010? It was a total blur. My long vacation slipped through my fingers and felt like nothing more than a long weekend. Between getting sick and freak snowstorms, I accomplished nothing of value. Went nowhere, did nothing. And yet here I am, back at work, grumbling because I won't get another day off work until Memorial Day. Although I said 2010 flew by, its really the end of the year, July on, maybe, that does it. January through May creeps painfully by. The weather is bad, nothing is going on. I guess I have no choice but to focus on my diet and my writing. Oh well.

Maybe this year, with my handy dandy new to me Nook, I can get some more reading done. This month's FBF book is sure to ring in the New Year on a sexy note.

A Red Hot New Year - An Erotic Anthology

This New Year's Eve, turn up the "heat" . . .

At the stroke of midnight a new year begins--a time for passionate resolutions and brand-new pleasures; a time to let go of past restraints and embrace new sensual boundaries. Four masterful writers offer a quartet of boldly erotic tales guaranteed to heat up those winter nights.

Anna has always been the good girl, until a mysterious and powerful encounter with a wolf brings out her wild side Now she's unleashing her long-repressed desires on the sexy stranger who comes to her rescue . . . in Cynthia Eden's New Year's Bites.

Seducing her lover at a lavish party seems like the perfect way for Chantal to rekindle their lost passion. But the tables are turned when she finds herself the target of an even more intoxicating man's desire . . . in Diana Mercury's Night Resolutions.

During a weekend getaway at a cozy mountain cabin, two couples decide the long winter nights lend themselves to exciting sensual exploration. But no one expects their red-hot sessions will turn good friends into lovers for life . . . in Virginia Reede's Snow Blind.

Gina is your average female who just happens to become a bit of a . . . dragon when she's turned on Good thing she's found the kind of savagely sexy man who can bring out the beast in her . . . in Denise Rossetti's Coming on Strong.

To enter, comment with the phrase "I can't believe its 2011!"

SP

Free Book Friday (The Chilly Edition)

Baby, it's cold outside. No, seriously. It's friggin' freezing. There's no doubt that December is here and so is another round of Free Book Friday. Can you believe we've been doing this for over a year? Crazy.

This month, I'm very pleased to give away two books including a 'win it before you can buy it' copy of Kira Sinclair's January release Caught Off Guard. For those who read Kira's debut book Whispers in the Dark, Caught Off Guard is the story of Karyn's spunky friend Anne. Not a traditional December Christmas book, per se, but the book opens on a cold New Year's Eve and they look chilly on the cover, no? He needs to take that woman inside and warm her up. I betcha he does just that. :)

Caught off Guard by Kira Sinclair

Runaway heiress Annemarie Prescott vowed never to return home. Until life interfered…

The Plan: Run like hell from the society chains of her past.

The Reality: Run into Blake Mitchell…the most seductive one-night stand of her life. Unfortunately Blake was hired by her mother. His job? To convince Anne she must embrace the legacy she never wanted, and keep her safe while he's at it.

The Bonus: Blake's touch still tempts Anne to sin! And how…

The Complication: Danger looms and Anne realizes Blake does make her feel safe. Especially in the bedroom! But as soon as the bad guy is caught, Blake will be gone…unless Anne opens her heart and admits her bodyguard is more than just a hot distraction.

All I Want For Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks
Toni Davis's Christmas wish list

1. Springing my best friend from the psych ward.

2. Living somewhere that doesn't have coffins in the basement. Occupied coffins.

3. Finding Mr. Right. Please make him tall, dark, handsome, and alive.

This Christmas isn't so merry for Toni. Her best friend's been locked up in a mental hospital ever since she told the police she was attacked by vampires, and the only way for Toni to get her out is to prove that bloodsuckers really do exist. So she's taken a job as a bodyguard for the Undead, but she gets more than she bargained for, especially when she meets Ian MacPhie, a Scottish rascal looking for Ms. Right.

Although Ian's nearly five centuries old, he looks and acts like a twenty-seven-year-old hunk.

How can a dead man be so damn sexy? Could Mr. Wrong be Mr. Right? One forbidden kiss could lead to an eternity of passion--and all it takes is one moment under the mistletoe . . .

To win, comment in the thread with the phrase "I'm chilly - warm me up!"
SP

Free Book Friday (Halloween Hangover Edition)

Halloween has come and gone (with much hoopla at my house, but that's next week's blog) but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to give away a couple fun paranormal books for Free Book Friday! Halloween is my favorite holiday. I just love the little kids in their costumes, too freaked out to say Trick or Treat. The Great Pumpkin on television. Normally I would say 'the candy' but I went out of my way this year to avoid gaining five pounds and gave out Halloween pretzel packs and mini popcorn bags. But today I'm giving away something for the big kids!

Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole

A RAVEN-HAIRED TEMPTRESS OF THE DARK...
Neomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers -- until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Neomi herself.

A VAMPIRE WARRIOR CONSUMED BY MADNESS...
To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

HOW FAR WILL HE GO TO CLAIM HER?
Yet even if Conrad can win Neomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

Dayhunter by Jocelynn Drake

A new day dawns blood red
A master of fire, Mira is the last hope for the world. For centuries she has secretly enforced the history-altering edicts of the Triad. Now she and her unlikely ally--the human vampire hunter, Danaus--have come to Venice, home of the nightwalker rulers. But there is no safety in the ancient city, for the threat of conflict is in the wind . . . with unholy alliances and earth-shattering betrayals taking hideous form in the shadows.

Banished for eons beyond the world's boundaries, the malevolent "naturi" prepare to feed once again upon a vulnerable earth--and treachery is opening wide the portal that will enable their dread re-emergence. The great battle that has always been Mira's destiny is looming, and she must remain powerful in the face of a shocking revelation: that Danaus, the only creature she dares to trust, is something more than the man he claims to be . . .

To win these two great books, comment with the phrase "trick or treat." What's your favorite thing about Halloween?

SP

Free Book Friday (The Late Edition)

I know, I know. Free Book Friday was supposed to be last week. But we had a special event to commemorate our vacation. So it got pushed out to today, tardy, but meaning well.

To go with this month's theme of being late, I'm giving away two books that you may have missed when they came out. Its one of the frustrating things about category books - in a month, they're gone! Sure, you can pick them up on Amazon for a few months and now you can get them as an ebook, but some really great books completely drop off the radar after a year or so. Well, this month, I'm giving one lucky commenter a second chance to read some titles that might've slipped through their fingers the first time.

The Guardian by Linda Winstead Jones

Dante Mangino was a man committed to one thing: his job. A top security specialist, he had no ties to anyone, just the way he wanted. Falling for a client was strictly taboo. But his latest assignment was about to remind him that even a man like Dante had a weakness. And her name was Sara Vance.

Mayor of her hometown, Sara needed protection against a stalker. But having the man who'd loved her and left her prowling around on guard simply wouldn't do. Dante was too intense. Too...tempting.

And that would make her stalker very, very angry....

Indecent Suggestion by Elizabeth Bevarly

There has been a mistake!

When best friends Becca Mercer and Turner McCloud go to a hypnotherapist, they expect to be cured of their smoking habit. Clearly the treatment hasn't worked, because they're both still smoking. Oh, and now they're having sex. Lots and lots of sex. And it's definitely changing things between them.

Lovers come and go, but friends? Is she ready to sacrifice her best bud for the sake of a little - okay, a lot - of seductive satisfaction? And yet, how can she possibly resist such an indecently sensual suggestion?

Can men and women have sex and still be friends?

To enter this month and win these books, comment with the phrase "Better late than never!" Are there any books you loved but can no longer find? Did your best friend in 9th grade borrow your worn out, well-loved copy of Skye O'Malley and move to Arizona without giving it back? Enter to win!

SP