Okay, so this is embarrassing.   Alexis and I were up plenty to early to post this morning.   But she got to watching a movie and made me join her.  Imagine, me–a big tough Paladin–forced to watch WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.   Gotta admit the puppets or whatever you call those guys were pretty cute.   That book was a particular favorite of hers when her kids were little, and I can see why.   Then she got caught up finishing Jayne Castle’s newest release and telling me all about dust bunnies and why she wants one.   This one is a little biker dude, complete with a studded collar to wear.   Pretty cute, I have to admit.

 Chiefs won over the weekend and the M’s managed to pull one out yesterday.  All good.   Off to work–hope all of you have had a good weekend.  

 DJ

Cracks me up to say ain’t because Alexis always cringes.   Seems English majors have a problem with poor grammar.   Irregardless (ha, that’s another one of her hot buttons), it sounds funny to me to say one out of three isn’t bad.   But back to the matter at hand–the Chiefs lost, the Seahawks lost, but the Mariners won on Sunday (of course they lost Saturday and Friday.).  Oh, well. 

 Alexis has been working on her next vamp boy world book.  Conlan’s okay, though.  He’s only half-vamp.  I am a bit envious that he has those cool fangs to flash whenever the mood hits.   Maybe I should get some fake ones and try them out on Devlin next time he gets riled.   He’d kick my ass for me, but it might be worth it to see his reaction.

But anyway, Conlan’s back on hold while she does a final polish on Larem’s book.  I’d be jealous of her spending so much time with him, but he’s a good guy.  Saved Hunter’s life and all, you know.  She tells me that her agent and editor all reading my book now.  Sheesh–that’s weird when you think about it.   They’ll know how it all turns out long before I do.   Michelle (that’s Alexis’s very cool agent) said she was enjoying my story.   I don’t think that means it’s a laugh a minute or anything.  I know Trahern’s  her favorite, so she likes the hero to have a rough time of it before the end.     

Right now they’re playing Buddy Guy’s version of Ain’t No Sunshine on Pandora.   Great song, and not just because I got to sneak in another “ain’t.”  That man can seriously play the guitar.   Besides, it’s been cloudy and cold here a lot, especially Sunday, so the song seems to fit.   Alexis actually had her space heater on in her office on part of the time. 

Well, I hear the dulcet tones of Devlin Bane calling my name.   Too bad I don’t have those fangs yet.   On that subject, Alexis said she’d stop by later to share what she thought about the True Blood and Being Human episodes from this weekend.

 DJ 

Okay, DJ is off sulking.   There’s no other word for it.   His sports teams have had a tough weekend, and you know how he gets.   The M’s lost twice to the Yankees, and then both the Chief’s and the Seahawks lost.   Gosh, if he’s this bad during pre-season football games, what’s he going to be like when the real season starts???

 So rather than drag him back to the keyboard right now, I thought maybe we could talk about what we’re all reading right now–other than text books.  I know several of you are either back in school or on the verge of it.   I’ll start things off–

 Right now I’m reading BRING ON THE NIGHT by Jeri Smith-Ready.   It’s the third installment in her urban fantasy series about a vampire radio station.   I loved the first two in the series and am enjoying this one a lot.   She has a real creative take on what it means to be a vampire. 

Before this, I read BURNING UP–an anthology with stories by Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra, and Meljean Brook.   I liked all four stories, but Meljean Brook’s story is the opening act for her new Steam Punk series.  Can’t wait for the next one!

 So ‘fess up, folks.  What book is keeping you up nights? 

 Alexis

We all know how DJ feels about Fang Boys, but surely he won’t be jealous of me spending time with this handsome fellow.   This was taken at the breakfast my agent arranged for her clients and some editor friends in Orlando.   Yeah, I’m a little slow in posting pictures . . .

Okay, let’s see how the weekend went.   Friday was quiet.  Saturday night I went with Alexis to see Miranda Lambert and Keith Anderson play at a local outdoor venue.  The music was great.  The weather was not.   It started raining during the afternoon and didn’t let up all night.  They were handing out ponchos to everyone as we arrived.   The seats were padded, which mean they’d soaked up the rain like a sponge.  They provided quite a thrill when we sat down.  Needless to say, various parts of our anatomies were wet most of the night.   We were pretty much drenched, but at least the temperature was warm enough that we didn’t get all that cold.   Besides, clapping hands and dancing a bit in place helped keep the old blood flowing.   Cracked me up with Miranda and her band did CCR’s classic, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, as their encore.

 Today had its high points, too.   The Mariners managed to win their game and the first preseason football game of the year was on.   Life is good.

 DJ

I’m really excited to have my second Nocturne Bite coming out this week!   Griff and Keelie’s story was great fun for me to write.   I hope you all enjoy it as much!  Here’s the link:  http://ebooks.eharlequin.com/875B708C-0330-453E-9B63-38F825E7050A/10/141/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=7949025C-12AC-41A7-AD6F-F1823F940E99

Keelie Bronson and Griff Tyler have been adversaries for years, locked in legal battles and enmity over Keelie’s belief that Griff was responsible for her father’s death. But when Griff’s control over his vampire clan comes under attack, Keelie may be the key to clearing his name.When Griff and Keelie finally meet face-to-face, neither of them are prepared for their fierce attraction. Soon, a moment of weakness unleashes a passion that cannot be denied. But Keelie still wonders: is Griff a good man, or is he the monster she always believed him to be?

I’ve been having fun here in Orlando.  Running crazy, of course, but still trying to take some downtime to reenergize.   Started off today at the Cape May restaurant with my agent and her writers.   Goofy, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse kept us company.   Thought you’d enjoy this picture. 

No, I’m not talking about the weather–but Tuesday is the official release date for DARK WARRIOR UNTAMED!  

In Alexis Morgan’s electrifying new Talion adventure, a sexy warrior fights to save his headstrong lover from the crossfire of an evil plot to overthrow the Kyth’s leader. 

He questions everything.No one thought Chief Talion Greyhill Danby would report to work so soon after wrapping up his affairs in London. Then again, he didn’t expect to find a beautiful spy with a major attitude in his new office. Clearly the Kyth’s Grand Dame doesn’t trust him to do his duty—to protect her. 

She fears the truth.Piper Ryan isn’t keen on the arrangement either. Matching wits with an ancient warrior isn’t in her administrative job description. But sharing space with the red-hot head of security could have unexpectedly tempting benefits . . . if he doesn’t dig into her secret past.  

Opposites always attract.When a mysterious e-mails result in danger, the fiery sparks between Piper and Grey grow scorching hot. They must defend the throne from a deadly invisible attacker, but will their raging desire keep them together . . . or will their burning suspicions tear them apart? 

Shelly Estes and Strohs!    Congratulations, ladies!    I pulled Shelly’s name out of the hat, but also thought it would be nice to celebrate Stroh’s engagement!   So if you two will send me your snail mail addresses, I’ll send out copies of Dark Warrior Untamed asap!

 Alexis

DJ here.   I have defeated the irksome Jake the Snake and now have regained control of my blog.   Well, I would have control, but Alexis asked me to point out that Grey and Piper will see the release of their story next week.   The official release date is July 27th.    I’m so happy for the two of them.   I feel like I should go capering down the sidewalk ahead of them, tossing rose petals as I go.   Yep,  I can see it now.   NOT!

 Instead, without asking Alexis, I’m going to give away a copy of their book, Dark Warrior Untamed, to one lucky person this week.  Tell me whose story (besides mine, which is too obvious) that you’d like to see someday and why.  

So, folks, get your comments posted and I’ll pick the winner on . . . um . . . Thursday.  Yeah, that works.  That’ll give Alexis time to get it into the mail on Friday.