Samhain Publishing

We don't really get much snow in Seattle. We just don't. Sadly. I love the stuff, have no fear driving in it, and so the possibility of it always makes me a little a giddy.

It's just, ridiculously hard to predict the weather here. So when we get the prediction of snow, we don't always trust it. We're a little emotionally abused by all the constant, you're gonna get snow! Oh, wait, no you're not, my bad.

So then late last week, early this week, the weathermen started predicting a crap ton of snow in Seattle (and surrounding areas). Worst snow storm since the 60s, people were saying. Not inches, but feet of snow. All within twenty-four hours. And Seattle is not a city made for (all the hills!) and prepared for snow. Seriously, watch this video, or just go to the 3:14 spot to watch a big Metro bus completely lose control.

So Seattlelites started buzzing twitter with hashtags like #snowpocalypse and #snowmageddon and we even made the national news (how the…? Must've been a slow new's day!)

Some of us really want the snow, some of us don't. I work from home and write books, I'm in the want category! And as usual, Seattlelites are rather skeptical. And so far, it looks like we have every right to be. They scaled back the dire predictions here, and we're just back to several inches of snow again. Which is still fine by me. LOVE IT! And I thought I'd share some pics from my neck of the woods…

Not sure the ducks are thrilled

But kidlet is having fun

So is Edward who appreciates finding something sparklier than himself.

Man, it's going to take awhile to get used to saying that! I'm a New York Times Bestselling Author–aaah!

How'd I get here? Well, I've been writing since elementary school, but I put it aside for awhile when my dinasour computer would eat my books (seriously traumatic!). I got heavily into choir/music, considered being a music teacher, and at one point even tried out for American Idol (more as an afterthought since my friend was auditioning), but my heart was always in writing. So I started to write again, and one day I decided I wanted to try and get published.

Typing this–wow–I'm realizing I subbed my first book almost exactly a decade ago. It was to a publisher who I deeply admire (and my query was TOTAL CRAP in retrospect!), but it was rejected. A good rejection, but back then I didn't know the difference. I had a lot–I mean A LOT–to learn. So I joined the RWA, got a critique group, befriended a big time author who became a fabulous mentor and I learned about the business. About writing. 

Then I did something that was quite controversial. I got tired of all the rejection letters and 'you're so close, keep trying' letters. I had a bunch of books and, damn it, I wanted people to be reading them. So I sold to an epublisher. This was five years ago. Some (fortunately not all!) people didn't consider my sale a sale, because it was an epublisher and everyone knew epubs would buy anything. Some people snickered or gave me that sure keep telling yourself you're a real author look. But I kept my head high, because I believed in ebooks and my publisher, and decided to build a readership within the ebook community. As I did this I ultimately did sell to a traditional NY publisher, and acquired an agent, all the while still writing for epubs in between.

Lots of things changed the ebook market. In my opinion the biggest thing was the Kindle, and especially Oprah–bless her!–making it a favorite thing! But ebooks have taken off in a huge, huge way. And on Wednesday, two days after my birthday, I received the best gift of all. I learned my ebook Flash Point, the third book in my Holding out for a Hero series, had hit the New York Times extended ebook list at #32. Right above Mr. Tom Clancy. From my understanding, I'm the 2nd Samhain author to hit the NYT list (Maya Banks was the first!). I think this is the wave of the future, I really do. I think you'll see a lot of digital first authors hitting this list.

I'm absolutely thrilled, giddy, in shock, thrilled, thrilled, constantly saying  OMG is this real? So I need to thank Samhain Publishing for taking a chance on me, helping me build a career here, and my editor Tera for taking on this series. I have the best group of readers and friends and network of authors…I just love you all!

So I guess, yeah, that's how I got here.

So I took an allergy pill yesterday, which ended up being a huge mistake. My productivity became impossible because I was in such a fog. So after passing out in my chair for a half hour, I woke up and flipped on the tv. And YES did I hit the mother load. Romancing the Stone was on. What a perfect way to ride out the end of my allergy pill fog.

They don’t make movies like this anymore. And yes, I realize when I say things like that I sound like my mom and every generation before me. Or, well, since they’ve been making. But really, they don’t make them like they used to. Which is probably why they’re REMAKING it. And lots of other movies like Overboard, Footloose, and more.

It’s a crime, I tell ya. A crime. You can’t replace Michael Douglas or Kathleen Turner. They’re icons. And if they even try and replace that cheeseball 80’s music…

But who knows, I guess you never DO know. I actually LOVED the remake of Sabrina. But then it was Harrison Ford and what’s not to love? Though I have a confession. I’ve never actually SEEN the original Sabrina. So maybe that’s what it’ll be like. The next generation of people will never have seen the originals, so the new ones will seem absolutely fabulous. Hmm. I’m making a vow to watch the original Sabrina soon so I can make a fair judgement.

So what are your thoughts on some of your favorite movies getting remade?

Shelli

http://www.shellistevens.com

In the mood for a hero? Or three? You know, if one guy doesn’t grab you, the other might. Or they all could. At once. Today is the release of my book Four Play! This is my futuristic, super hot, erotic romance! Available at http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/four-play.

This was a lot of fun to write! Each guy is different and I loved showing how each went about winning Mikayla’s heart. It made me think…hmm, now if I had to choose JUST one…

Duty required she choose one life mate. Her heart wants all three.

Mikayla knew this day was coming. News has come down from the planetary elders—now that she’s twenty-five, the law requires she pick her lifemate. She may be the planetary secretary, but when it comes to trying out potential mates, she’s inexperienced and nervous.

She only needs one man with whom she can trust her life. Luckily she knows three—all friends since childhood. Even if they’re not thrilled to be her potential lifemate, it’s the only way she can get through this process.

Mikayla couldn’t be more wrong about Cedric, Kyle, and Brett. They’re eager, yet resentful about the situation. Each one would kill to claim her, but they’re not too happy about having to risk their friendship to win her love. Yet, one by one, they set out to do just that.

Mikayla is stunned to learn all three men drive her mad with desire—and make her feel cherished. Loved. Choosing one seems impossible, until the one man she doesn’t want forces her hand…

Warning: This book contains one female being thoroughly tempted by three very different males—sometimes at the same time! It contains m/m and m/m/m/f scenes, rough lovin’, gentle lovin’, and all of the above lovin’.
Available here.

EXCERPT

“That dress looks lovely on you,” Kyle murmured.

She flushed, even knowing he had always been skilled with flattery. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It makes you look taller.”

Mikayla threw back her head and laughed, a habit she was well used to when spending time with Kyle. “You lie. I’m petite at best.”

“Yes, you are, and always have been. It’s no wonder we always had difficulty finding you during our hiding games as a child.”

“Gods, stop it!” she laughed harder and slapped his leg lightly. “You make fun.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Kyle grinned and sank down next to her, then leaned back on his elbows, crossing one leg over another. The action drew his shirt taut over his abdomen, highlighting the muscles beneath.

A flutter occurred low in her belly and she bit her lip, shifting her gaze away. What was the matter with her? He was fully clothed and this was hardly the first occasion she’d spent time with him alone.

“Mikayla,” Kyle said softly and caught her hand. “What made you choose us?”

Her cheeks warmed and she shrugged. “Well, basically it was like I said. I suppose I hate the idea of making a strange man my lifemate. I know you three. I adore you and would trust each one of you with my life.” She lifted her gaze and searched his eyes. The unease hit again—was she forcing them into this? She whispered, “Am I being terribly selfish?”

His blue gaze darkened, flickered with heat. “No, kitten. Not selfish at all. Though you’ve put us in one hell of a predicament.”

“Have I? How so?” Her heart skipped and she ran her tongue across her mouth.

Kyle’s gaze dropped to observe the movement.

“Because all three of us would give our souls to possess you,” he said roughly and, with a light tug of his hand, pulled her so that she fell across his chest. He reclined fully onto the blanket and slid his hands up her waist. “To win your love.”

Surprise rushed through her. Truly? They all wanted more than just friendship from her?

Her pulse quickened and she wondered if she should feel guilty for acting so wantonly. But dear Gods it felt wonderful to lie across his hard body like this. Across Kyle. How strange…

“All of you? But Brett didn’t seem happy in the least.”

Kyle laughed. “He’s just infuriated that I was chosen to court you first. The man is more competitive than he likes to let on.” He slid his hand down to her ass, cupping her through the thin cotton. “But fortunately I am too, kitten. Do I have your permission to continue?”

Continue. Oh Gods, she could not even begin to comprehend what that entailed, but she wanted it.

Not trusting her voice, she gave a slight nod.

Triumph flickered in his gaze as he slid one hand up to cradle the back of her head, pulling her mouth down to his. His mouth was entirely too skilled, coaxing her lips apart before his tongue slipped inside.

She met his commanding touch, hesitantly flicking her tongue against his. Heat bloomed in her body as she let her weight rest fully on him. He threaded his fingers through her hair and tilted her head, deepening the kiss.

Warmth slid through Mikayla’s body, gathering heavily between her legs. She squirmed against him, needing more than the kiss, but not sure how to ask for it.

But Kyle seemed to know exactly what she needed, because he lifted one leg between her thighs so that she straddled him. His knee wedged against her pussy, sending all kinds of sparks of pleasure through her.

She cried out and lifted her head, bracing her hands on either side of his body, rocking back and forth on his knee in search of that ultimate pleasure.

“You need to slow down, kitten,” he murmured and slid his hands up her ribcage to cup her breasts.

“This is just the beginning.”

Oh Gods! Mikayla closed her eyes. If this was just the beginning of pleasure, then she was in a heap of trouble.

www.shellistevens.com

As I arrived at the gym yesterday, I came up with an analogy. My relationship with the gym is kind of like the heroine and hero in a romance novel. Watch and learn.

Hero: You’re mine.

Heroine: I hate you! Why can’t you leave me alone?

Hero: Because you need me. And I want you.

Heroine: I hate you. I despise you! I—

Hero then kisses heroine, silencing her. She fights it, fights him. And then something changes. She’s changed. She gives in, realizing, yes. This IS what she wants. They are destined to be together. And she kisses him back fiercely.

NOW ME ON THE ELLIPTICAL YESTERDAY

Elliptical (if it could talk): Just get on me and start moving already.

Me (climbing on): I despise you. I don’t even want to be here.

Elliptical (if it could talk): Yes you do, or you wouldn’t have come.

Me: I have no choice.

Elliptical: You always have a choice. Now you came and I own you for the next hour, woman. Work me hard.

Out of breath, I silently curse the elliptical to hell and back. Mentally fighting this workout. And then something changes. I change. I feel good. I give in, realizing, yes. This IS what I want. And suddenly, I’m working out even harder.

So, yeah, I’m somewhat keeping my resolutions for the New Year How about you?

http://www.shellistevens.com

With her life on the line, can she protect her heart?

Protecting Phoebe is officially out today!! This is the third novella in my Chances Are series (but each book is stand alone and you don’t have had to read the others to read this one!)

Blurb:

Phoebe’s work at Second Chances, a women’s shelter, has gone a long way toward her own healing after surviving an abusive relationship in college. She’s moved on in every sense—except when it comes to dating.

Everything changes when Craig visits the shelter. The hot, young cop sets her pulse racing in a way that makes her consider making a move—and moving him into her bed for a casual fling. The first step: ask him out. Subtly, of course.

Craig has been attracted to Phoebe for months, so he’s more than happy for the chance to get to know her better, in bed and out. His interest goes way beyond casual, but convincing her to think long term is going to take some time.

When it becomes clear her violent ex has come out of the woodwork, though, time is the one thing they don’t have…

Available at Samhain!

EXCERPT

Damn but if he didn’t want to just cup her face and run his thumbs over the cheeks, before taking her lips in a hard kiss.

What would she taste like? What kinds of sweet sounds would she make when he sank his tongue deep into her mouth?

Phoebe shifted next to him, as if sensing his sensual thoughts. Her thigh scratched against his.

A hint of desire flashed in her eyes, pushing his primitive side further to the surface.

Wanting to test her limits, he gave a slight smile, still holding her gaze, and let his right hand rest on her knee.

A small, visible tremble ran through her and he heard the shift in her breathing.

Never mind if the band sucked, the idea of getting her on the dance floor and pressing those sweet female curves against his body held entirely too much appeal.

“Dance with me?” His words were soft, and though he’d meant it to be a question, it sounded far more like a command.

He half expected her to turn him down, instead she tilted her head and gave a slight nod.

“Why not?”

Setting his beer on the table, he slid out of the booth and held out his hand to her.

She took it and he curled his fingers around hers, tugging her to her feet and onto the dance floor.

Finding a space in the crowd of dancers, Craig slipped his hand low on her hip and pulled her close.

God, she was so completely in over her head. Phoebe swallowed hard, but didn’t protest when he pulled her body snug against his.

Their bodies ground together, moving to the snapping bass of the funk song. She felt the thick curl of his cock—which had to be semi-erect—just above her pelvis.

He moved his hand behind her hip, almost cupping her ass cheek, his other hand on her upper back, pressing her close.

She bit back a groan as moisture gathered heavily between her legs, her nipples tightening under her shirt.

The way they danced wasn’t particularly dirty, almost every couple on the floor danced in a similar fashion. But the way he moved against her had to be a promise of what he’d be like in bed.

And she wanted him there. All too much. This was crazy. She closed her eyes when he nuzzled her ear. Absolute insanity.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body closer to him, grinding her hips against his.

His breathing grew heavier and his cock stirred against her, grew harder.

He caught her chin with firm fingers, lifting her head. He gave her no warning before his mouth slanted softly across hers.

Heat exploded in her belly at the first light caress. The second pass of his mouth over hers came firmer, his tongue sliding easily between her lips to flick against hers.

Phoebe’s head swam, the room tilted and she had to tighten her grip on him to stay grounded.

He lifted his head with a groan and pressed her head back against his shoulder.

“Sorry,” he muttered.

“Don’t you dare apologize.”

He laughed and the hot rush of air from his mouth against her ear almost made her legs weak.

“Okay. Then I won’t.”

His tongue slid along the curve of her ear and she stumbled with a gasp.

He gave a husky laugh and she flushed. He knew exactly what he’d done to her with that little tongue trick.

“Easy, baby,” he murmured and then lifted his head a bit.

Disappointment stabbed that he’d put another inch between them. Just when things were getting good.

She was at the point where she didn’t care. She’d gone far too long without a man, and here was Craig, ready to make her feel like a woman again. Make her feel alive.

Maybe it was because he was a cop, and it made her more inclined to trust him. That he wouldn’t hurt her and he’d never be the type to abuse a woman—even as her logical side knew that theory was crap.

Statistics had long proven that police officers had a high rate of abusive behavior. But somehow, on a gut level, she knew she had nothing to worry about with Craig.

She trusted him. Even if she had no reason to, she did. And it scared the hell out of her. But at the same time, she wanted him. Wanted to do spontaneous, crazy things she’d never done in her life. Had been afraid to do after Rick.

Or maybe it had something to do with the fact that Craig was younger. He was sexy, confident, and endearing. Plain and simple, he made all the bells and whistles in her body come to life. So why the hell shouldn’t she take this step? It didn’t have to be serious. It didn’t even have to be a relationship. It could just be one night of sex if she wanted. And right now? She wanted.

She lifted her head from the curve of his neck and leaned back a bit, meeting his heated gaze.

“Come home with me tonight.”

Surprise flickered in his eyes before they burned even hotter and his nostrils flared.

“You sure you know what you’re asking, Phoebe?”

“I know damn well what I’m asking,” she fired back and gave him a slow smile. “Do you know what your answer will be?”

His gaze lowered to her mouth. “My answer would be…whose place is closer?”

Available at Samhain!

So my daughter started kindergarten for the first time the other day and I feel a little guilty. Why you ask? Not because I was sending my baby off to school and she was crying. Noooo not at all. I felt guilty because I was celebrating! Like doing handsprings on the grass celebrating! I was about to start 5 days a week of 2.5 hours of freedom!

No I’m sure the dryness in my tear glands came from me having sent my kid to preschool the last two years. I cried the first day I took her there, but now we know the drill. And my kid was thrilled to go to school!

So tell me, am I the only one? Did anyone else rejoice their kid going to kindergarten? Or did you all cry?

Shelli
http://www.shellistevens.com

Now available at Samhain

Hi, all! I’m thrilled to say the second book in my Chances Are series, Luck be Delanie, is releasing today! The book is stand alone, so you don’t have to have read the first one in the series to get it

He’s lured her to paradise…and she’s about to discover the price.

A Chances Are story

Long ago, Delanie made one gigantic mistake. Or committed one small felony, depending on how you look at it. Stealing a coin from a sexy stranger was just a prank to help a sorority sister get revenge. The sleeping with him part was totally unplanned. Yet she holds the memory of that one intense, passionate connection close to her heart—like the coin she still wears around her neck.

Six years later, she’s invited to a beautiful resort in the San Juan Islands to not only accept a donation for an abused women’s shelter, but to consider a job opportunity as well. Instead, she finds herself face-to-face with her past.

Grant has always suspected Delanie stole his rare, lucky coin. He just never knew why—or why she disappeared the morning after their hot night together.20After spending years looking for her, he’s lured her right where he wants her. He’ll have his answers, come hell or high water.

And, if things go his way, he’ll have Delanie, too.

Shelli
http://www.shellistevens.com

Now available at Samhain

I’m excited to announce that the first book in my Chances Are series is out today! This series follow three friends in their life, friendship, and finding love. Loved writing this series. LOVED it! And love the cover too

The line between friends and lovers can get a little blurry…especially when you add tequila.

Available for purchase here.

Gabby is serious about her search for Mr. Right, but no one can say she hasn’t had a good time looking. She enjoys her numerous dates and the sex that comes with them. Until she finds herself falling for the one man she vows to never love. Her best friend and roommate, Justin. A player in every sense of the word—and a reminder of her awful past.

One night, with the help of a bottle of tequila, things get a little too hot for comfort. She moves out, intent on removing him from the line of temptation.

Justin has different plans. The tequila did more than just change how he sees his good friend. It made him realize he doesn’t want to be just friends any more. He’s ready for something more intimate, and he’ll do whatever it takes to find out why she’s running. And convince her to stay.

EXCERPT:

Anybody but Justin

“Look at me, Gab.”

Her shoulders rose with the deep breath she dragged in, and then she tilted her head to give him a sideways glance. Her eyes were carefully schooled. He knew that look. She’d come to poker night too many times with the guys for him to not recognize that you won’t get shit out of me look.

“I want you to be completely honest with me,” he said quietly and tightened his grip on her hand—her dainty, soft hand. His brows drew together. Had her hands always been this feminine?

“Okay.” She arched an eyebrow. “Are you going to ask it?”

He shook his head, wondering how the hell she was managing to get him so damn flustered.

“Yeah. I’m gonna ask it,” he said gruffly and then focused his attention on her face again. “Did you move out because of that night?”

The only sign that he’d shocked her was the slight widening of her eyes. But then she narrowed them just as quickly and a sardonic grin slipped across her mouth.

“That night? Ah, Justin, you’re going to have to be a lot more specific than that. We lived together for a couple of years.”

“Damn it, Gab. Don’t pull that crap on me. Anyone else might buy it, but I don’t.” He scowled. “You know exactly which night I’m talking about.”

Her fingers arched against his hand, but he didn’t loosen his grip. The slight smell of sweat from their run lingered in the room, with the overlying scent of her lotion. Some melon thing she’d worn the entire time he’d known her. It had never seemed seductive before, but now…

She lowered her gaze from his and her tongue swept across her bottom lip before retreating safely back into her mouth.

Desire stirred low in his groin and his next breath in wasn’t quite as steady. Jesus. He still wanted her.

The idea rocked him to his core.

Bad idea, Justin.

“Are you telling me—” He leaned forward and caught her chin, his face just inches from hers. Very bad idea, Justin. “—that you don’t remember this?”

The need to remind her of that night consumed him. Her eyes widened in trepidation, just before he lowered his mouth down onto hers.

So soft. So sweet.

When she would have pushed him away, he moved his palm to her back and held her still, moving his mouth against hers.

Half a year. How had he gone a half a year without her? And why had it taken two years for them to reach this level of intimacy?

His tongue teased the crease of her mouth open, and then slid inside to taste her.

The angry sound she made morphed into a frustrated moan and finally one of surrender. Her tongue moved out to meet his—almost angry in the bold strokes she made to tease him.

Justin’s blood pounded through his veins. His entire being focused on the smell of her, the press of her breasts against his chest, and the soft sounds she made as she kissed him back. Sounds that alternated between pleasure and frustration.

Her hands slid up to his shoulders to wrap around his neck, pressing her body snugger against his. The scrape of her hardened nipples against his chest sent another rush of blood to his cock, bringing it fully erect. He groaned, grateful for his loose running pants.

He explored her mouth thoroughly, teasing the hidden spots before returning to spar with her tongue.

His hands, which had been resting on her waist, slid up her ribcage to just under her breasts.

He barely hesitated before sweeping his thumbs up to stroke over the tight peaks of her breasts. He lifted his lips from hers just a fraction to allow her strangled gasp, before he captured her mouth again.

All rational thoughts on why he’d come here tonight—because it couldn’t have been for this, could it? —abandoned his mind. The need to touch her naked skin, to taste the salty sweet softness of her flesh, swept through him.

He deepened the kiss, caught her nipple between two fingers and pinched, all while easing her onto her back on the couch. It was a move he’d mastered in years of seducing women.

Tonight it failed.

Gabby wrenched her mouth from his, shoving him so hard he fell off her and onto the floor.

“Stop.” She scurried off the couch and across the room from him. “What was that, Justin? What the hell was that?”

He winced, picking himself up from the floor. His balls ached and his dick still throbbed with the need to be buried inside her. Inside…Gabby. Shit.

Available for purchase here.

So we’re coming off of St. Patrick’s Day and I have to say mine was pretty uneventful. For my wardrobe choice I plucked a somewhat ugly green sweater from my closet and put on my favorite Celtic bead necklace with a jade stone. But no cool bar hopping at night for me, with green beer and loud signing of Irish songs. (Even as I’ve just started humming ‘Oh Danny Boy’ in my head). Though I did buy some Irish butter and cheese, and ate way too much…. yummy.

But all this talk about Irish stuff makes me think of a quiz I took on Facebook (is anyone else completely addicted to those quizes? Because I am!) And it was a quiz about what country you should live in. Or city. Or something.

Anyway…. I got Ireland! Even though I swore I chose that I wanted hot weather with the occasional rainy day. But you know….yeah. I really think I’d love to live in Ireland. I visited once upon a time and fell in love with the place. Such charm. Such a slower pace of life. So green and gorgeous.

But how about you? If money—or getting citizenship—weren’t an issue, where would you dream about living?