HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR

from the

INTRIGUE® FAMILY!

We're looking forward to sharing our stories with you in

2013 and beyond.

Christmas Wishes from Intrigue!!

ALL THE INTRIGUE AUTHORS WISH YOU 
HAPPY, SAFE HOLIDAYS.



Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope you and your family stay safe, have good health, and experience the most joyous of all emotions in 2013 - LOVE! I hope you find new authors who will thrill and entertain you for years to come. And I hope you continue to enjoy the amazing stories of the authors you've already discovered. When life gets you down, turn to a good book and escape, if only for a little while. Hugs!
~LENA DIAZ

Happy Holidays!  I hope everyone enjoys a fantastic celebration this year.  Make wonderful memories, cherish your family, and smile at all the wonders that come your way.  This season is filled with magic--hold tightly to it! Best wishes to you!
~CYNTHIA EDEN

Beyond the noise, the laughter and the festivities, Christmas is about a wondrous gift of peace, love and  hope.  So I wish those things for all of you in the new year—that you'll have a peaceful year full of love and great hope for the future.  Merry Christmas!
~ PAULA GRAVES

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years. May all your wishes and dreams come true.
~ELLE JAMES

Happy Holidays to all of you. I wish you and yours happiness, fun and memories. Love and peace,
~ MALLORY KANE

Whatever you celebrate, may this time of year be safe and happy.  Hug your loved ones and count your blessings.  Happy Holidays!
~ JULIE MILLER

May Christmas bring you everything important you didn't know to wish for. May your New Year be filled with nothing but good surprises.
~ PATRICIA ROSEMOOR

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and the best possible New Year. I hope 2013 is all that you want it to be, and More!
~ JENNA RYAN

Hope you share the love and spirit of the Christmas season with those you love, either in person or in spirit. And may your new year be filled with joy, laughter, love and good health.
~ JOANNA WAYNE

As we come up on a new year, I wish you every good thing you have been hoping for.
~ REBECCA YORK

A Christmas Wish to all our readers . . . May God fill each dream you dare and even those you won't. Merry Christmas!
~ ANGI MORGAN

WRITING CHRISTMAS

HOLIDAY IN CRIMSON

There’s something about murder and Christmas that just seems to work for me. Even though they have a short shelf life, Christmas romantic suspense stories are my cup of eggnog.

I’ve actually written FOUR Intrigues set at Christmas.

In my last blog, I wrote about killing Santa Claus in HOLIDAY IN CRIMSON, published last month in Entangled Publishing’s new Dead Sexy romantic suspense line.

What you might not know is that HOLIDAY IN CRIMSON actually is an updated and editorially revised version of CRIMSON HOLIDAY, which I wrote for Harlequin Intrigue in the late 80s.

Then, when Intrigue wanted to celebrate its 10th anniversary several years later, the powers that be decided not only to reprint some of its most loved books in a leather bound edition, but to offer readers connected books to each of the ones included in the collection.

And so I wrote CRIMSON NIGHTMARE, using many of the fun characters from CRIMSON HOLIDAY. My heroine, Pippa McNabb is the younger sister of Rand McNabb, who was my hero in the original story. I revised and updated CRIMSON NIGHTMARE for Dead Sexy, as well.

NIGHTMARE IN CRIMSON is now available in digital formats:

Another year, another Christmas party...another dead Santa! Run down by eight tiny reindeer and a sleigh, was he killed by accident—or was it murder?

NIGHTMARE IN CRIMSON

At last season’s party, it was Pippa McNabb’s faithless Santa-clad husband who died—so after another St. Nick ends up dead, she’s at the top of the police suspect list. When hunky sleigh-driver Sky Thornton offers his help to find the real culprit, she accepts, and soon finds herself snuggled up with him before a holiday fire—and falling hard for the blue-eyed stranger. But how does he know so much about her...?

Suddenly she isn’t certain if her mysterious new lover is attempting to help her clear her name, trying to frame her for a murder he might have committed...or working to win her heart forever.

Writing romantic suspense doesn’t get much more fun (at least not for me) than that.
                       
The most challenging part of writing the second story was to make it different from the first. Both CRIMSON stories are set at Christmas, both at the same department store, both with a dead Santa as the central mystery. The first thing I had to do was figure out a death that would be different, interesting and leave the authorities confused about whether the hero, the heroine, or someone else did the deed. The fun for me was in having Pippa and Sky suspect one another even as they are attracted to each other. And in having Pippa discover Sky’s true involvement AFTER she falls for him. I hope that’s fun for readers, too.


In RED CARPET CHRISTMAS, a 2005 Intrigue -- the final book of the Club Undercover series -- my hero Gideon put his former lover Simone’s father behind bars for killing his own father. Now she needs his help... to clear her of a murder she didn’t commit.





And in CHRISTMAS DELIVERY, a 2010 Intrigue, part of a Holiday Mystery at Jenkins Cove series with Rebecca York and Ann Voss Peterson, my hero Simon returns from the dead after 13 years and is hell-bent on revenge. Only a Christmas miracle could reunite him with Lexie, the girl he’d once loved... and the daughter he didn’t know he had.


Take the time to enjoy a holiday read this coming week.

Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night :)

Patricia Rosemoor has written more than 90 novels for 8 publishers and has more than 7 million books in print. She writes “dangerous love,” casting her lovers against a backdrop of mystery and suspense.

                           

COLORED MEMORIES

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HANUKKAH

CONTEST ALERT
I thought I'd get this up front and out of the way. For those of you following my personal blog page ( A PICTURE A DAY ) you know that this month's contest (celebrating the February release of DANGEROUS MEMORIES) is named Colored Memories. I've been featuring colored ornaments in a specific order. Together, they create an object.

The colors represented are very recognizable and in a specific order. Take a guess, or two, or three about the remaining sequence I'll be featuring this month. Email me the answer and you'll be entered into a drawing for a special prize. I'm traveling to Branson, MO today to find something special.

CLUE: the order of six colors creates something

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Email Angi@AngiMorgan.com the answer
•   (it is not how many times I will be featuring colored ornaments, but what the colors represent)
• Enter until you think you have the correct answer (only correct answers will count). 
• Leave a blog comment answering the blog question (don't include the COLORED MEMORIES answer) for a second entry.
• Contest open through Wednesday, December 19th, International mailing.
• Anyone can participate by viewing the pictures on my blog. 

As I mentioned, I'm traveling today, but will answer comments as soon as I have Internet access.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

Don't you love this time of year? I love the music, the decorations, and especially the reason for the season. But I especially love seeing someone's face when I give them a gift. Sometimes even the smallest thing makes someone day. And just so many people are . . . happy.

Tim and I went to his office Christmas party Friday night. It was a good year for the company and they celebrated on the top of Reunion Tower. WAY up at the top of the rotating ball overlooking Dallas. A very nice event and we dressed up for it.

As we were waiting in line for the elevator, a woman (in passing) said, "You look so pretty." I made a joke of it at the time, wondered who she was, but I'll be honest...she absolutely made my week !

I'm trying to "make someone's day" whenever I can.

TODAY'S QUESTION 
(For an second entry into this INTRIGUE BLOG ONLY contest...only counts if you email the correct answer.)

What kindness has "made your day"? was it a stranger? a loved one? Or is there a tip you can give others?

I hope everyone has a fantastic, merry Christmas and a great feeling that lasts you all year long.
~Angi

Spotlight on December Intrigues: Secrets of the Lynx

Aimee Thurlo's latest exciting Copper Canyon story reveals the Secrets of the Lynx:

SHE FULFILLED A PROPHECY...

For P.I. Paul Grayhorse, there were no secrets-thanks to his special Navajo gift. He knew why U.S. Deputy Marshal Kendra Armstrong found him in the canyons of New Mexico. Reopening the case that ended his marshal career and killed his partner did more than haunt Paul; it put him in the crosshairs.

NOW HE FACED A CHALLENGE...

Using Paul to flush out her fugitive was risky, but teaming with him was downright dangerous. In his arms, Kendra felt like a woman, with a woman's desires. But with his powers, could she hide her biggest secret-that she'd fallen for him? And that for the first time in her career, she was afraid...afraid to live without him if she couldn't get her man?

Spotlight on December Intrigues: The Awakening

There are more spooky adventures ahead as Jana DeLeon takes readers back to Mystere Parish for The Awakening:

SOMETHING IS OUT THERE...WATCHING...WAITING

It could be a mythical creature wreaking havoc on a Mystere hotel...or a malicious vandal. It's detective Tanner LeDoux's first case and-much to his chagrin-the hotel belongs toJosie Bettencourt, once the most popular girl in town and his unrequited love. A woman who now doesn't even recognize him.

Josie's poor memory is Tanner's luck, however. He has a chance to be the strong, sexy hero who protects her and her hotel from mounting danger. Tanner's no believer in the old ways, but one stormy night, he sees something horrific he can't explain. And he knows, without a doubt, whatever lurks in Honey Island Swamp means to keep Josie from him forever!

Spotlight on December Intrigues: Montana Refuge

Alice Sharpe's new series The Legacy continues with a trip to a Montana Refuge:

HER RANCHER PROTECTOR

The last person Montana rancher Tyler Hunt expected to see on his ranch was his soon-to-be ex-wife. True, he had yet to sign the divorce papers, but Julie had sworn never to return. One look in her eyes, however, and he knew why she was back. Julie was in desperate need of his help.

She'd left Tyler, fearing the loss of her identity. But that desire for independence had caused her life to be put in jeopardy, and Tyler was the only man she could trust. Yet even as the mystery surrounding her new life brought them back together, a secret from Tyler's own past was threatening their reunion. Would they ever have the chance to recapture the bond they'd once shared?

Spotlight on December Intrigues: Three Cowboys

Three top authors come together to introduce readers to Three Cowboys:

THIS CHRISTMAS, THE MCCABE BROTHERS ARE COMING HOME TO TEXAS... 

VIRGIL by USA TODAY bestselling author Julie Miller

Detective Virgil "Bull" McCabe hadn't been back on the J-Bar-J Ranch in more than a decade. What he finds is his family in turmoil and his childhood friend, Tracy Cobb, all grown up...and more beautiful than ever.

MORGAN by Dana Marton

It took a lot to bring ex-soldier Morgan McCabe home. But when his brothers sent out a call for help, that was all the incentive he needed. Once there, though, it's his former flame, Dakota Dayton, and her toddler son who might just convince him to stay.

WYATT by Paula Graves

Sheriff Wyatt McCabe has faced a lot of criminals, but none as ruthless as the one holding his sister hostage. Now, forced to work with Elena Vargas, Wyatt has to ensure his family's safety without giving in to his burning attraction to the gorgeous agent.

Forgive or stick a fork in their eye?

I'm starting a new Intrigue. Beginning a book is such a thrill. The possibilities are endless. The plot is exciting, the characters seem engaging and I’m in love with them. (Now, 3 months down the road, after spending 8 hours a day with these people, it's a different story. I can’t wait to get them out of my hair. ) But right now, in this moment of starting the book, everything still seems perfect. I’m convinced that it’ll be my best book yet and win every award known to romance writers.

My hero, Shep, is undercover commando, tall, dark-haired and sexy as anything. The heroine is a woman from his past. Last time she'd been in his life, she had him fired from his job, burned his house down and stole his car. Yep, that one. He's so not going to be amused when she walks through the door. 

How much is too much to forgive? I'm going to find out while working on this story. How do you feel about forgiveness? Forgive and forget or forgive and walk away, don't give them a chance to hurt you again? Or.... don't forgive and knock them to the next county? Have you ever wanted to do that? I have to confess, I had. Just once. I didn't. I reminded myself that I was a Christian and a lady.

I'll be giving away three Kindle copies of Deathscape, so don't forget to comment!

Forgiveness is a tricky thing. The Three Cowboys, my Dec. release with the amazing Julie Miller and Paula Graves deals with this subject, too. Forgiveness between sons and fathers is always complicated. But these three cowboys have hearts the size of TX. (Mind you, they'll do anything to hide that fact.) I really LOVED writing Morgan's story.

If you read the book, please let me know what you think of him.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Dana

Simply Ali: Simply Ali Interviews Author Patricia Rosemoor!!

Simply Ali: Simply Ali Interviews Author Patricia Rosemoor!!: Today we welcome Author Patricia Rosemoor & take a look at her latest romance BORN TO BE WILD !!

12 Days of Christmas Books

4 1/2*s! "A tour de force..." - RT Book Reviews

I must be obsessed with numbers right now.  On my current blog tour, I've posted a couple of different posts about the magic and power of the number 3.  How I plot in 3's.  THREE COWBOYS, my current release (written with Dana Marton and Paula Graves).  How 3 has been used for centuries to create magic in stories, movies and television.

But today, I thought I'd give good ol' reliable #3 a rest and focus on the number 12.  Those of you who have blogged with me before know how I love lists.  Since my next deadline isn't until February, and I've planned a week or so off around the holidays, I'm treating myself to catching up on my reading.  I decided to list 12 books I want to try to read in December.  Knowing how busy my schedule gets (still have to do a little teaching; still need to spend my work days writing as much as I can), I probably won't get that much done.  But I do love to dream.  A couple of the things on my reading list are holiday-themed.  And, a few projects are my own (need to read one for edits; want to read one for nostalgia purposes).  But most of these books are just things on my TBR pile that I intend to finish or consume before the end of the year.

1.  THREE COWBOYS by Julie Miller, Dana Marton & Paula Graves.  (Yes, I've read these 3 novellas before--but I haven't seen the finished product for Dana and Paula's stories, and I'm itching to see if those sexy cowboy brothers are still the Christmas present we envisioned)

2.  THE LOST PRINCE by Julie Kagawa  (I'm a big YA fan--and I've loved her Iron Fey books!  I'm anxious to read this latest edition to the series about fey heroine Meghan Chase's younger brother)

Digital Release-Dec. 2012

3.  ACCIDENTAL BODYGUARD by Julie Miller (This is probably my favorite hero I've ever written, if not my favorite story--originally released in 2005, it's finally being issued in digital format this month as part of a 2-in-1 book called KEEPING WATCH--the other book is by Gayle Wilson--I just bought it for my Kindle) 

4.  RUNNING FOR HER LIFE by Beverly Long (I always try to read the first book by an author to see what has most recently captured an editor's eye--and while this isn't Beverly's first book, it is her first Intrigue.)

5.  ALPHA ONE by Cynthia Eden (ditto)

6.  RANCHER'S DEADLY RISK by Rachel Lee (Ms. Lee is one of my all-time favorite romantic suspense authors so how can I resist?)

7.  UNFORGIVEN by B.J. Daniels  (love me some good romantic suspense! and I'm anxious to see how B.J. amps up the tension in her debut single title novel for HQN)

8.  ELF TROUBLE by Sherry James (something a little different for me--romantic comedy!  but this is a holiday extra story in her funny, sexy Studs-4-Hire series, featuring 3 lady bosses who manage several hunky heroes who are experts in carpentry, plumbing or building whatever the client needs--even if it's a big shoulder to lean on)  This will be out later this month, but since I'm her critique partner, I'm getting a sneak peek!

9.  DEATHSCAPE by Dana Marton (I think Dana is one of the best authors out there writing action-suspense romance, so I can't wait to dive in)

Coming March 2013!

10.  TACTICAL ADVANTAGE by Julie Miller  (okay, this one is work related--it doesn't come out until March, but I need to review a couple of continuity facts for the manuscript I'm currently writing--besides, I love to revisit favorite characters)  And don't you love that cover?

11.  ASSUMED IDENTITY by Julie Miller (again, ditto ;))

12.  THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Clement Moore (What can I say? It's a Christmas Eve tradition in my family.)


So, what's on your reading list this holiday season?
You don't have to come up with 12.  But I'd love to know what folks are reading this time of year.
One lucky poster will win either a signed copy of THREE COWBOYS, or an ebook gift for your Kindle or Nook of KEEPING WATCH.

Happy Reading!
Julie Miller

Spotlight on December Intrigues: Cowboy Cop

Join Rita Herron for trip back to Bucking Bronc Lodge to meet a Cowboy Cop:

THE ONLY WITNESS WAS HIS SON-AND NOW HE'S THE KILLER'S NEXT TARGET 

Miles McGregor had dedicated his life to justice, and with his latest arrest behind bars, the detective finally had more time to spend with his son, Timmy. Then the unthinkable happened-Timmy's mother was murdered before his eyes. Miles's only choice was to bring his little boy to the Bucking Bronc Lodge, a ranch where young boys heal....

Jordan Keys is an expert at rehabilitating children. But when it comes to Miles, she is lost. The sexy detective is harder to reach...and a whole lot less willing to try. Before long, though, a killer comes calling and Jordan witnesses the true power of Miles McGregor. And just how far he'll go to rescue them from this living nightmare.

Spotlight on December Intrigues: Christmas Rescue at Mustang Ridge

Delores Fossen delivers fast action and touching emotion to readers in her latest, Christmas Rescue at Mustang Ridge:

A TEXAS SHERIFF IN NEED OF A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE 

Sheriff Jake McCall is about to break the law. To find a bone marrow donor for his ailing baby girl, he'll hack into WITSEC to track down Maggie Gallagher-the only person who could be a genetic match. Yet by doing so, he is jeopardizing not only his badge, but Maggie's life, as well. Expecting to have to force Maggie against her will, Jake is unprepared for her willingness to help-and for the desire and hunger she arouses in him. Still, those forbidden feelings could make Jake reckless, and losing focus now isn't an option. With time running out and a killer on their heels, Jake has to keep Maggie alive-and give his daughter a Christmas miracle.

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....

HAUNTED

I remember always wanting to write paranormal romantic suspense of some sort. My editors at Intrigue always told me I couldn’t do it. But somehow I got away with writing HAUNTED, a book set at Halloween, another of many firsts for me. The first Intrigue with a paranormal element – a ghost who provides a fun twist. Well, a couple of twists.

Ever since I can remember, I was in love with the idea of paranormal anything. Blame my mother. She was born on November 1. I think she was born a day late. :)

The costumes she always made for me when I was a kid were spooky. And she took me to spooky movies. I was a latch key kid. I believed The Creature from the Black Lagoon lived in my basement. The basement door was next to my apartment door... Needless to say, I always got inside the apartment fast. And I never went into the basement unless I was forced to do it. I sat my way down, peering around the stairwell to make sure I wasn’t unpleasantly surprised.

As a young adult, I read books that made me keep the lights on all night. Rosemary’s Baby. Jaws. The Exorcist. I swore I would never see any of those movies. I did see them all, of course, and had to hold someone’s hand while doing so. The one I really wanted to avoid was The Exorcist. I think I slept with the lights on for a week after I read that one. And my mother made me take her to the movie anyway. She threatened to disown me if I didn’t. Ack! What else could I do?

Mom really, really was into the paranormal even more than I was. One year she asked if we could go to a haunted house for Halloween. I said sure. I took her to one of those cheesy (but scary) haunted houses that are such fun at Halloween. She was horrified. She meant a REAL haunted house. Yeah, Mom, like the owners would just invite us in.

Mom died at 60 of lung cancer. But every year just before Halloween, I think of her and wish her a happy birthday.

And this year, I get to bring HAUNTED, a Halloween book, to my readers who didn’t get it the first time around. With a new cover, of course.

Mom would approve. Happy Birthday, Mom.

What is the scariest or most fun memory you have of Halloween as a kid? Comment for a chance to win a free digital copy of HAUNTED. It would help if you would provide an email addy in your comment. If you don’t, I’ll announce the winner in -this- blog post on November 1 in my mother’s honor.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!