Cowboys and Intrigue

Some might question how the modern cowboy meshes with stories of danger and suspense. I never would, nor would most readers of Harlequin Intrigues. I've been thinking lately about what makes the cowboy such an ideal hero. I've come to a few conclusions. They are firmly rooted in their principles. The old adage that a man is as good as his word certainly characterizes the cowboy's ethics. They are independent and tend to take matters in their own hands. They know how to use a weapon, but don't use them against another human except to save a life. They are extremely protective-of their horses, their livestock, their land and most of all of the people they love. They are manly to the core. Hmm. And then there's the way the look in jeans, boots and a Stetson.

I have double duty with my new Special Ops series. I have former Navy SEAL's who are true cowboys at heart. I've never had more fun writing a series since the heroes are proven in every sense of the word. And gorgeously sexy. Note the cover for the March book.

If you love cowboys as heroes, I'd love to hear from you as to why. And please visit my website at http://www.joannawayne.com/ for a chance to read an excerpt of Cowboy Commando. And don't forget to enter my contest while you're there.

Going to a fashion show

I'm going to a fashion show this weekend and I'm so excited! It's just a small local one, but still. I've never been to one. I just proposed a new project for Intrigue, The Socialite and the Bodyguard. The heroine would definitely go to fashion shows. So I'm technically there for research :-) A make-up company is sponsoring it, so there'll be free make-up, too. I've got to find something to wear!!! I'm so not the fashion show type. I sit around in sweatpants most of the time. Just more comfy for sitting at the computer. But it's good to leave our normal environment every once in a while and try something we'd never do normally. Ever did something like that? Something totally out of character.... Did you enjoy it?

I have a question for readers... Did you find the March Intrigues okay? I've been so worried for Desert Ice Daddy. Supposedly, a major distributor is having problems and a lot of authors were worried that their books wouldn't make it from the warehouse to the stores. I'm in Europe so I couldn't check. Anyone seen my book for sale anywhere? Like we don't have enough to worry about :-)

Hope you're having lots of sunshine wherever you are.

Have a fabulous day,

Dana

www.danamarton.com

spring is here

We had temps in the 50s today. Not that I got outside much :-( Hubby cut down a giant pine tree that had some disease and was dying off. Cut off the branches first, starting at the bottom. Climbed the stubs, then when he got to the top, he began cutting the tree, chunk by chunk. I had the phone ready to dial 911, but he ended up taking the tree down without an accident. Would it kill him to call a professional? Yes, it would. He's the type of guy who thinks a real man can handle just about anything that comes his way. Why do women like stubborn men? I suppose all that goal-orientedness is appealing. Anyhow, I'm saying my prayers of thanksgiving that he hadn't fallen and broken anything.

I need to start the tomato seedlings inside. I'm so late this year. At least, I cleaned out about a third of the garden. Have you started your spring chores yet?

To celebrate the beginning of this fine season, I have a book out: DESERT ICE DADDY. It's part of the Harlequin Diamond Anniversary promotion. You guessed it, there are some diamonds in the story. Check out my web site for excerpt and a chance to win free books. The hero is a Texas Sheik. What's that? you ask... You'll just have to read the book to find out ;-)

Happy Spring!

Dana

http://www.danamarton.com/

New Release

That's the cover of my new Intrigue, SECRET DELIVERY, that officially hits the shelves tomorrow. It's book four of my Texas Paternity miniseries, and the series will wrap up in October with CHRISTMAS GUARDIAN. I've had a blast writing about these five single Texas dads raising children who aren't their own, and for those following the series, I hope you've enjoyed the books.

I've already started a new series that will be out next year, and I'm having so much fun!! I'm at the stage where I can just play with the characters and plots, and as the release date draws closer, trust me, I'll tell you all about them. :)

But here's my question for you. Do you like author miniseries, or do you prefer books that stand alone?

Delores

Random Questions

Okay, so I'm completely stuck for something to blog about so I thought I'd come up with a short list of random questions to get this blog moving. And because I have a book coming out next month called Baby Bling based in Texas, with a cowboy and a pregnant woman, I thought I'd focus on random questions about those subjects. So here goes the questions and my answers. I'd love to hear from all of you with your answers. The world is full of different people with different tastes, that's what makes it so wonderful. Wouldn't life be boring if we all thought, dress, ate the same?

1. If you were on a dangerous mission leading into the Rocky Mountains with the bad guys after you, which would you rather have with you: a cowboy, a special ops soldier or the Mall Cop? (How's that for random?)

2. If you had a choice, which time period would you rather travel to: 2000 years into the future, medieval times or the 1950's?

3. If today was your last day on earth, what would be your choice of food: pizza, ice cream or peanut M&M's?

4. If today was your last day on earth, and you could only be with one of the following, who would it be: Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, President Obama, or The Mall Cop.

Here are my answers:
1. I'd want all three! The cowboy because he'd look great in his jeans and sit his horse like he was part of it, the special ops soldier because they're soooo intense and gorgeously brave and the Mall Cop because I'd have to have humor in that situation or the tension would just kill me!

2. Tough choices on the second question. Would love to see what the future holds for us. I'm afraid 2000 years in the future humans may or may not be here. But wouldn't it be cool if we found a way off this planet and the universe was our oyster? I'd love to visit the medieval times of great knights, beautiful dresses and grand adventures, but to live without toilet paper? Not me! A visit maybe, to live there forever, I'd have to bring a lifetime supply! The 1950's would be a hoot! James Dean, poodle skirts and the music! I'm there!

3. Ice cream, definitely ice cream! Make that Rocky Road for me!

4. Again, a tough choice. If I thought Spike could make me a vampire and extend my days on earth, I'd go for him! And he's a hotty, who wouldn't want to spend her last hours with him? Obama? Not. His job is too depressing. The Mall Cop? A definite possibility. See answer to question 1. Humor would be a big thing for me. Helps lighten your load.

Now your turn! What would your answers be?

Putting Yourself First

This year, like many others, I decided to focus on putting myself first. But as a woman, there are many other people in our lives that need to be taken care of: our husbands, kids, parents and friends. Oh, and don't forget the dogs and cats!

Don't get me wrong, I love taking care of the people I love. But it really hit me lately that if I'm not in a good place, it will be hard to be a good support for others.

After the post holiday munchies, I decided to buckle down and begin taking care of myself by cutting sugar out of my diet. It feels amazing! I'm a sugar addict, no question. So when I'm sucked into the sugar vortex, I don't think straight, I'm unmotivated and I worry all the time. Without sugar I'm clear-headed and energized.

The heroine in my March book, Sydney Trent, took care of two sick parents who passed away. Then she finds herself on her own, sucked into danger and intrigue when her friend, Nate, goes missing and his sexy older brother, Dalton, asks her to help solve the mystery. Syd got really good at taking care of herself after her parents passed away, and isn't one to be pushed around, even by a sexy hunk like Dalton.

What kinds of things do want to do to take better care of yourself? Come on, you're worth it!!

Here are a few non-sugar snacks for anyone out there want to cut down:

Layer shredded veggies and Tzatki sauce in a piece of roast beef and roll up
Dip sliced green zucchini in hummus
A hard boiled egg is always a great afternoon pick-me-up
A slice of deli turkey with Laughing cow cheese spread and par-boiled asparagus (you can tell I'm into rolling things like tortillas!)

Cheers!

Pat White

Available in March

Here's what's coming this month from Harlequin Intrigue:

1119. RENEGADE SOLDIER by Pat White
Secret operative Dalton Keen had never met a woman like Sydney Trent: sweet, innocent and so beautiful he couldn't look away. Trying to complete his latest mission meant he needed Sydney's help. But it was hard to control how his body responded when she turned to him with her violet eyes and looked at him with both awe and desire. Rather than crossing the line, though, he needed to protect her. Someone had discovered that she knew more than she was telling…and they didn't like it. Dalton regretted involving Syd in what was quickly becoming a very dangerous mission, but she couldn't back out now. And, secretly, he didn't want to let her go.

1120. SNOWED IN WITH THE BOSS by Jessica Andersen
CEO Griffin Vaughn knew Sophie LaRue was trouble the moment he agreed to hire her. Still, he hadn't become one of the wealthiest men in the world by being distracted by silky blond hair and legs that didn't quit, and he refused to start now. But thanks to a freak blizzard, he and Sophie were trapped in his Colorado mansion...and they weren't alone. With someone watching from the shadows, Griffin attempted to ignore their building attraction and focus on protecting Sophie. A successful businessman, Griffin thrived on challenge—until his innocent assistant made him an offer he couldn't refuse....

1121. DESERT ICE DADDY by Dana Marton
Billionaire Akeem Abdul's arrival at the McKade ranch went from business to personal when he learned Taylor McKade's little boy had disappeared. Taylor had only become more beautiful over the years, and Akeem couldn't stand seeing the pain on her face. As they followed the kidnappers' orders and trekked through the Texas heat, Akeem admired the strength it took for Taylor not to fall apart. But he was there when she did—and vowed to bring her son home. Still, all the money in the world couldn't eliminate his secret fears: that if they didn't find her son, this woman he'd finally found again could be lost to him forever....

1122. SECRET DELIVERY by Delores Fossen
Sheriff Jack Whitley hadn't seen Alana Davis in nearly a year. Not since he'd saved her life and helped to deliver her baby. And when she'd mysteriously disappeared, he'd raised her son as his own. So despite the way Alana's vulnerability tugged at his heart, Jack vowed he wouldn't let her claim his child. But with a dangerous killer hot on her trail, he found himself wanting to be her protector. Keeping her safe meant he ran the risk of losing his son. And ultimately his heart.

1123. COWBOY COMMANDO by Joanna Wayne
On navy SEAL missions Cutter Martin had been a warrior. But when it came to Linney Kingston, he was just a red-blooded Texas cowboy with bad luck at love. Linney had walked out on him six years ago. Now she was back—with a motherless child and a crazy story.Linney's theory of murder and scandal was as preposterous as her body's traitorous response to Cutter. Still, when she was shot at, the cowboy came to her rescue. Cutter—her hero. And the only man who could break her heart again. Trusting him a second time was more frightening than the killers stalking her every move....

1124. MULTIPLES MYSTERY by Alice Sharpe
Olivia Capri knew giving birth to quads would cause a stir in her media-starved small town. But she didn't realize it would bring back Zac Bishop, the boy she'd once loved with all her teenage heart. Luckily, as sheriff, he'd returned just in time. It seemed someone was after her and her babies thanks to a past she knew nothing about. And though she knew whoever it was didn't stand a chance against Zac and his protective nature, reminiscing about old times stirred up too many long-buried emotions. Still, Zac assured her everything would be okay, all she had to do was trust him. And she did. With everything but her heart.