Good Things Come in Threes

Hooray!  The cowboys are here!  That's right, THREE COWBOYS, the Intrigue holiday anthology I wrote with Dana Marton and Paula Graves is officially out on the shelves now.  THREE COWBOYS is a mini-continuity series all inside one book (what a bargain!).  THREE hunky heroes.  THREE taut, exciting, inter-connected stories.  THREE reader-favorite authors all in one book.  Sounds like a cool holiday gift to me. ;)

Even though I'm a Marine Corps brat who knows more about cities than ranch life, I had a blast writing my story, "Virgil" for this anthology.  (A big shout-out to my CP, Sherry James, for answering all my Western/cowboy/ranch life questions so that I kept everything about my bull-riding rodeo champ hero authentic).  Besides the allure of the cowboy hero--I've always loved THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, BONANZA, any Tom Selleck version of a Louis L'Amour story, SILVERADO and TRUE GRIT--I enjoyed writing this romantic suspense trilogy because I got to work with two other Intrigue authors whose stories I've loved since the beginning of their careers.

You already know them, I'm sure, but let me introduce you to Dana Marton and Paula Graves.

One thing I've always liked to do is to read the first books from authors.  Professionally, it helps me know what's the most recent voice or storyline to capture an editor's eye.  Personally, as a reader, it's a terrific way to discover new authors whom I will read again.  Dana and Paula were no exception.  When I read Dana's first Intrigue, SHADOW SOLDIER, I felt like I was in the middle of a great action-adventure movie--only in this movie, they got the love story right.  Clearly, it made an impression because I can still remember the hero's name, Alex Rodriguez.  When I read Paula's (actually, I read a portion of it before she was published, when I judged a contest she'd entered--and I advised her right then and there on my judge's sheet that she should submit it--she already had!), I got completely immersed in the atmosphere of the story--dark and moody--pure suspense.  Plus, it had a paranormal twist I loved.

I've continued to be fans and readers of both authors, so when my editor asked me if I'd like to write the lead story in an anthology with Dana and Paula, I jumped at the chance.  Dana and I had been tossing around the idea of an anthology for a couple of years, but our contracted work forced the project onto a back burner until Paula joined us and everything fell into place.  Characters. Action. Mood. Suspense.  Romance.  And cowboys, of course.  It's all there.  We brainstormed.  We ran our ideas past our editor and she said go.  And thus, THREE COWBOYS was born.

I hope you'll enjoy all three stories in the anthology.  It features some of my favorite writers. <vbg>

BTW, thought you'd might like to see my my first Intrigue, too. It's the only book of mine that hasn't been digitized yet, or scheduled for digital re-release (you can request that that be done on www.Harlequin.com if you want!), but I've seen used copies available on the Internet.

 

Today, I'm giving away a signed copy of THREE COWBOYS to one lucky poster.  I'm happy to answer any questions readers might have about books or favorite authors or this particular story.  Or, simply leave a comment mentioning something that comes in threes.  I'll have Maggie choose a winner and post it here tomorrow.

Happy Reading!
Julie Miller

HOLIDAY IN CRIMSON

As a child, I lived in the far reaches of the city, then in the suburbs of Chicago. I didn’t know much about the downtown area, nearly twenty miles away by electric train, except that I always looked forward to my infrequent trips there. My mom treated me every holiday, taking me downtown to see the Christmas windows of the department stores. My favorites were always the windows of the iconic Marshall Field’s (now Macys) on State Street.

That’s why I used Marshall Fields as the model for Westbrook, the main setting for HOLIDAY IN CRIMSON (originally an Intrigue, CRIMSON HOLIDAY) and NIGHTMARE IN CRIMSON (originally an Intrigue, CRIMSON NIGHTMARE), the related holiday romantic suspense novels from Entangled Publishing for their Dead Sexy line. Both books have been updated and revised to add more deadly detail :)

About HOLIDAY IN CRIMSON:
Westbrook Department Store's Christmas party wasn't that wild--until, that is, Santa ended up dead. Now window designer Shelby Corbin is the prime suspect in his murder, and the holidays are anything but festive. If Shelby doesn't figure out who killed Santa, she'll be ringing in the new year behind bars.

Westbrook's impossibly sexy co-owner and CEO Rand McNabb's romantic attentions both thrill and frighten Shelby. But is he really helping her search for the truth about that fatal night? Or does Rand have a deadlier motive for courting the only possible witness to the crime...?

In thinking about a holiday romantic mystery, I knew I wanted to use a department store like the one I loved as a child. I wanted to involve the Christmas windows. And I wanted the murder victim to be Santa Claus. No, wait! Not the real Santa. The department store one. Rather the one dressed as Santa for the annual Christmas party. Okay, so I have a bizarre sense of humor.

Part of me is in my heroine Shelby. The Yay! It’s Christmas! part. From the time I moved out on my own until we learned my late husband was ill, I had an annual Christmas tree-trimming party. I made dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies and gave most of them away I collected a new special Christmas ornament every year, just as Shelby does, so I could experience my holiday history every time I looked at the tree.

Because I always loved Christmas, I enjoyed creating this intricately plotted romantic mystery. A fun task, and a fun story, one I hope will make readers smile.

What would make a great romantic suspense for you? Comment for a chance to win a digital copy of one of my Intrigue backlist books.



  

Thanksgiving Treats

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break!!! We had a lot of fun. I asked for advice on my FB page on how to make the turkey. Boy those ladies on FB know how to cook! I ended up combining different advice, brined the turkey the night before then used herbs to season it. It turned out amazing. Not dry at all. I just recycled the last of it into some delicious turkey soup. What did you cook?

Talking about FB... I'm giving away a book bag full of goodies on my page. If you have moment, would you pop over and like my author page? And click on the CONTEST link to enter to win!

Wishing you a wonderful week! --Dana

Thankful For...

Thanks for joining me today. It would be appropriate to blog about what I'm thankful for...after all, it's Thanksgiving week here in the states. But I promised myself that my blogs would have something to do with Dangerous Memories, my February release. They don't celebrate Thanksgiving or any other holiday in the book. {sad face} But if Jolene and Levi held hands around the dinner table and said what they were thankful for. . .

Jolene: "I'm thankful to have an honorable man supporting me, loving me no matter what happens."

Levi: "And I'm grateful for a woman who never gives up, no matter how crazy afraid she becomes."

Angi: "There's lots to be thankful for, but my circle of friends who have stood by me and offer their support for every word I make-up--THANK YOU!"
~ ~ ~
A special heartfelt prayer and lots of thoughts every day to those still suffering on the east coast. A speedy recovery to you all.
~ ~ ~
Don't forget to enter the Crystal Clear giveaway through Rafflecopter (details below).

~Angi

DANGEROUS MEMORIES
February 2013

The CRYSTAL CLEAR giveaway celebrates my newest release in February.   a Rafflecopter giveaway  Use Rafflecopter to register for a genuine Austrian Crystal necklace through November 30th (drawing Dec 2nd).

QUESTION FOR TODAY:
WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?  
Leave a comment for two entries in the Crystal Clear giveaway. (Be sure to click that you've left a comment.)

Spotlight on November Intrigues: Running For Her Life

Beverly Long's exciting Intrigue debut introduces readers to a woman who's Running For Her Life:

DESIRE IS NEVER SAFE. BUT SOMETIMES IT'S WORTH THE RISK.

Secrets he didn't see coming almost got Jake Vernelli killed once. But he's dead certain that whatever pretty Tara Thompson is hiding is behind the frightening incidents threatening her. Unfortunately, Tara is determined to stay silent and safe without this temporary small-town police chief's help. So to win her trust, Jake must uncover her past, reveal her deepest fears-and face his own wrenching mistakes. Now every false clue and unexpected setback is irresistibly drawing Jake and Tara together. And with nowhere left to run, the only way Jake can protect her against a relentless adversary means risking losing her for good....

Spotlight on November Intrigues: Switched

In HelenKay Dimon's new thriller, danger and desire follow when identities are Switched:

A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY...

For Aaron McBain, it was just another routine job, protecting his client at an office Christmas party. Until commandos stormed the place and took a hostage. But they had the wrong woman...the very woman Aaron had started dating-under a different cover.

...TURNED LETHAL

Risa Peters couldn't convince the gunmen she was the wrong hostage, nor could she believe her so-called "tax attorney" boyfriend wrested her away. But as the threats against her escalated, Risa and Aaron found themselves trapped in the building in the midst of a deadly conspiracy. And only her sexy new protector-a man she hardly knew but already wanted-stood between her and a bullet.

 

BIG  SHOT

From Big D Dads

Don't miss the final exciting book in the Lambert family trilogy.

 

 

 

You read about Damien and Emma and beautiful baby Belle. Now find out what happens when Belle's biological father is found.

 

You read about Tague and Alexis and her precocious son Tommy. And do you remember the stunning private detective Meghan who was called in to help them find a killer? She's back and this time she hooks up with ex lover Durk Lambert

for a sensual, suspenseful case that may leave them both dead.

 

PROTECTION WAS PART OF THE COWBOY CREED.

 

Fate brought Texas rancher Durk Lambert face-to-face with his ex-lover, Meghan Sinclair. The reckless but gorgeous P.I. had been beaten and left for dead, with no memory of her attacker, or Durk--or herself. Years ago she'd broken his heart, but no cowboy walked away from a woman in need.

 

While Durk kept her safe on his Bent PineRanch, his own memories threatened him--laughing with Meghan, making love. He still wanted her, but he feared Meghan was the one woman he could never have--and the one he'd lay down his life to protect. Because while he wanted her to remember, a killer neeeded her to forget ....

 

 

 

The Cowboys are Coming!!!

I'm so excited to be in an anthology with Julie Miller and Paula Graves! I loved, loved, loved writing Morgan's story. Three cowboys coming home to TX to take care of family business. They're tough and hot and so much fun to read about. They want to take care of trouble, and have no intention of falling in love or any such nonsense. Ha! Wait until you meet the women who show these cowboys the error of their ways. lol

I'm going to revamp my whole web site for this new release. Would you pop over and tell me what you'd like to see changed? More pictures? Free books? Fun contests? I'm in the middle of a revamp. www.danamarton.com

I'll raffle off a copy of THE THREE COWBOYS among those who comment. GOOD LUCK!

Dana

Spotlight on November Intrigues: The Vanishing

It's time for another suspenseful trip to Mystere Parish in The Vanishing:


THIS INVESTIGATION WILL TAKE THEM DEEP INTO THE BAYOU-AND MIGHT NOT ALLOW THEM TO LEAVE...

Certain death awaits any outsider who enters Cache, a mythical city said to disappear when intruders threaten. But P.I. Max Duhon won't let the Cajun superstition stop him from going there. He'll do anything to help sexy Colette Guidry and close this missing person's case, even admit how attracted he is to his client. But as their investigation deepens, Max finds himself protecting Colette from the inexplicable terrors of the bayou. This includes the specter taunting them with voodoo...and a shotgun. It seems they may have come too close to Cache and its eerie secrets-and dangerously close to each other.

Spotlight on November Intrigues: Undercover Memories

Alice Sharpe's new series The Legacy begins with Undercover Memories:

HE MAY HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS PAST, BUT NOT HOW HE FEELS ABOUT HER...

Reeling after being left at the altar, Paige Graham seeks comfort in her secluded cabin. But there's someone sleeping in her bed-a sharp-eyed, sexy stranger who claims to have no memory. While a little digging reveals John's true identity, Paige knows there's more to his past...and more to her feelings.

He may have been told who he is, but bodyguard John Cinca isn't satisfied with the answers, especially when they place Paige in danger. With his protective instinct in high gear, John vows to uncover his true identity while keeping her safe. ...

Signs of Autumn

Coming Nov. 27! Available now at www.Harlequin.com

I'm making a list again today.  (Sorry for posting the blog so late--been struggling with computer woes--it's back in the shop for the second time in a month! Yay for Geek Squad! Fie on viruses!)

But I thought I'd share some of the signs that let me know it's autumn.  My favorite season of the year.

1.  I have a new book coming out.  My very first Intrigue came out in October 2000.  And I've had a fall release ever since.  This year it's the Intrigue holiday anthology, THREE COWBOYS, that I wrote with Dana Marton and Paula Graves. Love those McCabe brothers! (Get it? 3 men, all heading to a certain place for Christmas?)

Julie Miller and Maggie

2.  Harvest time.  Here in Nebraska, it's the main topic of conversation this time of year. (except for Husker football!).  Hubby and Maggie and I went to a pumpkin patch this year to get some decor for the house (and some yummy squash to eat).




3.  Marching band season. We've always been staunch supporters of our son's activities. And he's a talented leader in the marching band at the university where he's a senior this year.  We love going to football games and parades.

UNK Pride of the Plains Marching Band

4.  Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday.  Both November holidays at my house because I grew up in a military family.  I miss my dad a lot.  He was a veteran Marine from the Korean Conflict.  My "baby" brother is also a veteran Marine who now serves as a Major in the Army National Guard.  He was deployed three times.  Thank you to all our veterans, active military and their families. 

5.  The new school year gets into full swing.  I used to teach full-time and write part-time.  Now the careers have reversed and I'm a full-time writer who teaches part time. (sorry, I don't have a picture to share because they all seem to have students in them, and there's the underage/permission thing).


So, what do you associate with autumn?  Share your thoughts.  Talk books.  Or ask me a question.  I'll give away a signed copy of THREE COWBOYS to one lucky poster.  (I'll pick the winner this weekend)

Julie Miller

DANGEROUS MEMORIES

Wow! I really love my February cover. 

The models are very good likenesses for my hero and heroine, U.S. Marshal Levi Cooper and Jolene Atkins. To introduce my next release and this week's promotion contest...

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Jolene Atkins aka Emaline Frasier--For as long as she can remember, she’s longed for a “normal” life, one free from lies. As the memories of her mother’s murder begin to resurface she has two choices: don’t remember and look over her shoulder the rest of her life; or remember, enter the WitSec program living a lie and looking over her shoulder the rest of her life. Is there a third option?

U.S. Marshal Levi Cooper--He’s the “go to” guy in the Denver Division Witness Security Program. A classic workaholic, but the guy who always keeps his word. He made a promise to Jolene’s dad--and will die before breaking his word.

U.S. Marshal Sherry Peachtree--Levi’s supervisor in the Denver office.

FBI Agent George Lanning--An acquaintance who’s worked with Levi in the Dallas office who is prepared to help in the search for the murderer.

Elaine Frasier--A Dallas defense attorney who discovered something so horrific she chose to turn Federal witness but was murdered along with two U.S. Marshals twenty years ago.

Joseph Atkins aka Robert Frasier--Jolene’s father. A Dallas landscaper who entered the WitSec program to protect his daughter. He was recently killed in a suspicious car accident after he began looking into his wife’s cases.

The Client--Represented by Elaine Frasier, they arranged for her brutal murder before she could hand over any evidence. Have they been lying in wait for the Frasiers to return?

Join me during the next three months for different prizes and a grand-prize promotion. I'll have a giveaway this week at Just Romantic Suspense on Friday (11-9).  Make certain to leave a blog comment on JRS to be eligible. Leave a comment today and be entered into the November drawing.

TODAY'S QUESTION: Intrigue Readers, do you like the cast of characters? Do you glance at it or refer to it while reading the story?

~Angi

ENTER TO WIN a CRYSTAL NECKLACE

Spotlight on November Intrigues: Montana Midwife

A Montana Midwife finds herself in danger in Cassie Miles's latest suspenseful read:

BIG COUNTRY. BIG SKY. BIG TROUBLE IN MONTANA.

Rushing to the aid of a pregnant woman, midwife Tab Willows arrives at the grisly scene of a murder. Then sexy Aiden Gabriel lands his rescue chopper and Tab comes face-to-face with her secret teenage crush-and he's gotten only better with age.

Aiden had been unaware that Tab was back in town...and more stunning than ever. The half-Crow beauty has always been a mystery, but she can't hide her fear upon learning a serial killer is loose in the mountains of Montana. Insisting she move to his ranch while the investigation intensifies, Aiden suddenly finds his home isn't ...

Spotlight on November Intrigues: Big Shot

Meet another of Joanna Wayne's Big D Dads in Big Shot:

PROTECTION WAS PART OF THE COWBOY CREED

Fate brought Texas rancher Durk Lambert face-to-face with his ex-lover, Meghan Sinclair. The reckless but gorgeous P.I. had been beaten and left for dead, with no memory of her attacker, of Durk...or herself. Years ago she'd broken his heart, but no cowboy walked away from a woman in need.

While Durk kept her safe on his Bent Pine Ranch, his own memories threatened him-laughing with Meghan, making love. He still wanted her, but he feared Meghan was the one woman he could never have-and the one he'd lay down his life to protect. Because while Durk wanted her to remember, a killer needed her to forget....