RomantiCon 2010

Prepping for the conference was intense and started about six months ago. I made lots of goodie bags and I’m happy to say that most of them were gone by the time I left on Sunday.
RomantiCon 2010 is over, but far from forgotten. The partying went on for four days straight and let me tell you I enjoyed every last moment. I got to spend some time with Cindy Spencer Pape and Anny Cook. These two women are incredible. I had so much fun getting to know them better. They made this shy author feel right at home.
All the women of the Cougar Challenge series did the same. Hugs were plentiful over the weekend. I also had a chance to meet a new author – Shoshanna Evers. I sat down next to her in a workshop and introduced myself. She immediately said, “Oh I’ve read your work.”
I blushed, surprised that someone read my stuff. I know there are people out there buying my books, but I’ve never had someone sit next to me and tell me.
Then there was this reader, Cindy, who came up to me at the booksigning who had a star next to my name. She just had to meet me. It was so exciting to think someone wanted to seek me out. :o)
While I was a newbie when it came to conferences, the fellow readers and authors made everyone feel right at home.
Then there were the Cavemen. Oh they are hot and so very friendly. They didn’t have that I’m too sexy for you complex. They were down to earth and ready to show everyone a good time. Angelo, who is on the cover of my Dante’s Desire book, was kind enough to autograph a cover flat for me. Speaking of when he walked in to the meet and greet the DH said, “I know him. He’s all over our house!”
He is…I just love my cover.
Overall it was an amazing time and I’m really looking forward to next year.
In other news – Book Three in the Freedom Fantasies series PLAY WITH ME comes out tomorrow. :o)

Lighten Up

Click here for a link to the actual comic in the Washington Post)

This one struck home as my neighborhood association is permanently bent about 1) my turquoise front door. ( I think it goes very well with my grey house with dark blue trim) 2) my husband's wildflower rain garden (we get endangered butterflies every year) and 3) the light-up pink metal mesh flamingo (the same construction as the light-up reindeer at Christmas). And I'll point out that Bob the flamingo only lives on my back deck during the summer--and is hardly ever lit.

Why is it we constantly feel the need to tell others how they should live? Whether it's in the name of moral right or "property values," Americans always seem to think they know better than anyone else the proper way to do things.

Stuff proper.

Off to build a trebuchet--the one T made for a cub scout project was disassembled years ago.

Really.

Reviews and a Spolight, Yippee.

This has been a great week for me in terms of recognition. Since in many ways I'm still a five-year-old at heart, I soak this up like a sponge, and am always tickled pink by accolades and good reviews.

First: I am the spotlighted author at Night Owl Romance this week. They've also posted reviews of two of my summer releases, Heart of the Bear and All the Way Back.

All the Way Back got 4 Hearts and the reviewer said, "The characters were extremely believable and the storyline, although serious in some parts, was quite enjoyable to read. I am quite a fan of Ms. Spencer Pape’s work. I would definitely recommend this story to others!"

(Read the complete review here.)

Heart of the Bear received 5 Hearts and a Reviewer Top Pick. She said, "Ms. Spencer Pape has penned a marvelously entertaining story that I know her readers will enjoy. The storyline was very creative and quite unique. I loved the Native American referencing she sprinkled throughout the story. I was pulled into the storyline from the first sentence and the author held my attention to the very end. I also enjoyed how some of the characters were psychically inclined and Ms. Spencer Pape wove their abilities fascinatingly well throughout the plot. I assure you that as my heart skipped a beat during a few of the dramatically intense scenes, so will yours. This is a must read for any reader." (Read the rest by clicking here.)

Finally, another review site Alternative-Read.com, reviewed my March Ellora's Cave release, Teach Me. Wow, that came out of nowhere. Here's what they had to say, "The fullness in addressing the insecurities of both parties, while delving into the paranormal realm, HOT sex games and the fact that when the chips are down love is UP made for an interesting, fun read." (You can read the rest here.)

Thanks to all of you who've taken the time and trouble to review and reccomend my books. Your efforts are truly appreciated.

A summer afternoon

As summer winds its way to a close I always find myself panicking. Where did it go? Why didn't I do everything I was supposed to do this summer? Trips, exercise, household projects...

But then I realize I don't want to waste the last two weeks of summer being upset. Now that I'm into the getting-ready-for-school time crunch, what bits of summer I do have left become all the more valuable.

So for just a few minutes, sit back, relax, and enjoy a lazy summer moment with me.

This is from All the Way Back, a Wayback, Texas story out now from The Wild Rose Press.

(Click on the cover for more information)

The party went easier than Drew had had any right to expect. Most of that was due to Annie running interference for him. She’d barely left his side all afternoon, and she kept up a quiet stream of information, catching him up on who was who. The only problem he had was trying to keep his hands off her. What had she been thinking to wear that microscopic bathing suit? The emerald green bikini matched her eyes and hugged her like a second skin. The purple and green butterfly on her stomach taunted him all day long. The scrap of green and purple batik material she had tied around her hips did nothing to hide her full, lush curves. Every time she moved he caught a glimpse of her long, creamy thigh.

While Annie had taken some time to play with her niece and nephew in the pool, he’d spent a good bit of time talking to his neighbors, Logan and Riley. Both appeared to be sound men, ex-rodeo cowboys who were serious about ranching and crazy about their wives. They’d be good neighbors, he decided. And Hawk, at least, seemed as uncomfortable in a crowd as Drew was. It was kind of nice to be around someone else who’d clearly learned about life the hard way. Made Drew feel less like the only pit bull at a poodle convention.

He even managed to smile when the former mayor, Luc Fremont, who’d just moved to Austin, announced his engagement to pretty little hairdresser, Lili Marlene. The couple had come back for the party and to share their happy news. “And another one bites the dust,” Rafe whispered with a laugh. “Seems like there’s something in the air around Wayback these days.”

About four in the afternoon, the party began to break up. Everyone, it seemed, planned to head out to the rodeo arena for the evening.

“Can you give me a lift?” Annie asked as she stood and stretched. “My folks are leaving on their anniversary trip, so they’re going to skip the competition tonight. Henry and Maria are going back to the restaurant. Never mind that they’ve got a great staff; it about killed Dad and Henry to both take off the same Saturday afternoon. There’s no way those two control-monsters could both miss the Saturday dinner rush.”

“Rodeo?” he asked, in about the same tone he’d have probably said “dentist,” or even, “proctologist.”

Annie laughed. “Yeah, rodeo. It’s what we do in this town, so you might as well get used to it. Come on along. It’s fun.”

His brain was still stuck on the fact that her parents were leaving town for a few days. “Okay,” he agreed. “I can give you a ride, no problem.” He winced at the unintentional double-entendre, but fortunately, she didn’t seem to notice it.

“Great. I’m going to go in and get changed, then we can take off, if that’s okay.”

She untied the scarf that had been holding her hair at the nape of her neck and shook the heavy mass out. Drew wanted nothing more than to bury his hands in it.

“Buddy, you are toast,” muttered Rafe from beside him at the picnic table as Annie walked away. “Told you, there’s something in the air.”

“Look who’s talking,” Drew returned. He gestured toward the pool where Rita Mae, her more than generous cleavage hidden by a modest black swimsuit, was playing with Rafe’s little girls.

“Uh-huh,” Rafe agreed with a broad, happy grin. “I sure as hell hope so.”

Jesus, I’m surrounded by happy couples. Drew admired that, even envied it, but he knew it wasn’t in the cards for him. He’d seen too much, done too much, to ever be whole enough for a relationship like the ones he’d seen today. Annie’s parents were the shining example of that. They’d sat together on a porch swing holding hands all day long. The love they had for one another still shone like the sun, even after forty years.

It's here! Stone and Sea is here!

Very excited about my newest Ellora's Cave release, Stone and Sea, which came out Friday. It's book two in my gargoyle cycle, Heroes of Stone, although, as Stone and Earth was part of the Jewels of the Nile series, it won't be listed with my others.

“Stone and Sea”
By Cindy Spencer Pape
Out now from Ellora’s Cave

Blurb:
Sent to Atlantic City to retrieve an ancient artifact vital to the future of his clan, gargoyle Remy Rocher meets sexy selkie Marina Bell and ends up getting shot for his efforts. Now he has to find the chalice and keep Marina and himself alive—all while dealing with the hottest sex of his life and emotions that scare him more than evil wizards or mobsters with guns.

Excerpt:
Mari played in the waves, reveling in the feel of the cool water gliding along her fur. She hadn’t done this in forever. She’d been so busy finishing up her education, that she hadn’t taken time for herself. She’d gone to great pains to ensure that being a selkie wasn’t the be-all and end-all of her life, that she’d neglected this side of her nature. Her species wasn’t the only thing that defined her, not like it was for her mother and sister. Mari was determined to make something of her life.

But that didn’t mean she could completely ignore her heritage. Being a selkie came with baggage. The need to change and swim was part of it, so here she was.

She heard a splash out just a ways and she immediately turned. Just a sea gull landing. Whew!

She’d been so lost in her thoughts and in the pleasure of swimming that she wasn’t paying attention to the water around her. Not smart for someone who looked like shark food. Reluctantly she told herself it was time to head in and get some sleep.

She swam up under the pier until the tip of her front flipper just grazed the sand. Then she closed her eyes and willed herself to change. Her fur split down the middle and vanished, except for the small scrap she always wore on a silver chain around her neck. Human knees and toes touched down on the sand, and her flippers became arms, holding her up on her hands and knees.

“Hello there.”

At the sound of a voice, horror filled her head and belly, making her dizzy and nauseous. Her arms and knees turned to jelly and she fell onto her stomach in the shallow water. Someone had seen her! How had she failed to notice another person nearby? She scanned the sand below the pier—there was no one there. She tipped her head and looked up.

Oh fuck! It was him. The blond god from the shop. He was just as gorgeous as she’d remembered. Slowly, Mari pushed herself up until she was still on her knees, but upright. The new vantage point put her face about level with his hips, which was a mistake. His damp jeans were plastered to his legs and outlined a rather magnificent erection.

“Hello, ma belle.” A current of laughter ran beneath his wry tone. He took a step back and held out a hand to assist her to rise. “I guess you were in no danger of drowning after all.”
Why wasn’t he running or screaming? Cautiously, she took his hand and stood. Her wet human form felt the cold midnight breeze and she shivered.

“Come, let’s get you warm.” He tugged her toward the beach with the hand that he still had linked in his.

What was she going to do? She couldn’t kill him, she was pretty sure she didn’t have it in her to commit murder. She’d have to just disappear. Unless—maybe she could take him home and get him drunk enough that he wouldn’t remember tonight, wouldn’t remember meeting a shapeshifter beneath the pier.

He stopped next to her clothes. A man’s leather bomber jacket and cowboy boots were strewn haphazardly between her pile of clothing and the shoreline. He pulled off his gray T-shirt and handed it to her.

“Here. Dry off with this so you don’t soak your clothes when you put them on.”

Still in shock, she nodded and took the shirt, quickly wiping the salt water from her skin. While she pulled her dress over her head, he shook the sand out of her jacket. Then he held it out while she slid her arms into the sleeves.

“Better?”

Mari nodded. “Thank you. I don’t even know your name.”

“It’s Remy. Remy Rocher. You can stop freaking out now, little seal. I’m not going to tell anyone what I saw.”

Cowboy Time

Ah there's something about a cowboy. The dust? The long hard hours at work? Beer and tobacco? Puh-leese. We're talking about the fantasy here. Not the sexy smell of cow poop in the morning...




What is it about them that fires our imaginations and our...ummmm...urges? Let's see:

1. They HAVE to be in good shape. That doesn't suck. We like men with nice muscular bodies from long days of hard manual labor. Duh!

2. They have to be proactive and problem solvers. Animals, weather, and Mother Nature in general are volatile conditions, and the person who makes his living in that situation has to be able to think on his feet.

3. They spend a lot of time alone--probably aren't real talkative and needy.

4. Won't fight with you for closet space or steal your appointment at the salon, either.

5. They're used to taking care of living things, to understanding the natural wonder of life and connecting with others. In other words, anyone who's nice to his horse, probably isn't an ass to his woman.

I could go on, but face it...we're talking about an idealized fantasy world, and that's okay. So here's a little taste of my latest cowboy, out now at The Wild Rose Press:

All the Way Back
By Cindy Spencer Pape
A Wayback, Texas story
From The Wild Rose Press
Buy link

Blurb: Drew Lawson left Wayback for the army a long time ago. Now he’s back, a little older and a lot wiser, but the past still haunts him. Music teacher Annie Zykov had a crush on Drew when she was a kid, but what she feels for the man is something else entirely. With Annie’s help, can Drew come to grips with his past and learn to face the future? Is love what it takes to bring him All the Way Back?

Excerpt:
With one step he pressed her back into the closed front door of her apartment. Annie wrapped one leg around his when she felt his hand on the flesh of her bottom. Her soaked cotton bikini panties were no hindrance; his fingers slid right underneath. Then he flexed his hand, squeezing the globe of her cheek. His fingertips were so close to her aching core she wanted to cry.

“Inside, Drew.” She wasn’t talking about the apartment. She let one of her hands trail down to slide between their straining bodies and cup the bulge behind his fly. God, he was impressive. She couldn’t wait to have all that pushing into her, filling the empty space in her body and soul. Desperate, she fumbled with the buckle of his belt.

Drew responded with another groan, and his fingers slid down between her cheeks to the wet heat between her legs. He tore his mouth away from hers, leaving her gasping for breath as he trailed his lips down her throat. He didn’t have a hand free to push her shirt out of the way, so he simply took her breast, clothing and all, into the wet heat of his mouth.

Annie almost exploded then and there. She did let her head fall back against the door as she cried out his name.

A mournful howl split the night—from the door right behind Annie. She didn’t register it for a second as she was busy opening the button fly of Drew’s jeans.

The howl got louder. Drew pulled his head up and gave her a dazed look. “What the hell?”

Then she heard a door open on the side of the main house. “Anya? Are you all right?”

“Shit!” They both hissed the word at the same time, both drawing it out into the three-syllable sound only a true Texan can manage. Drew snorted a laugh and Annie giggled.

Another howl from behind the door.

“Anya!”

“I’m fine, Dad,” she called. “It’s just Bubba getting impatient while I say goodnight to Drew.” She saw Drew wince as he fumbled to fasten his jeans and belt. “Sorry,” she whispered.

“Lawson?”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Zykov,” Drew called. “Annie dropped her keys and I was helping her look for them. She’s all set now.”

“Anton Zykov, get back in here and quit bothering your daughter.”

Oh, fabulous, now Mama was into it too.

“But—” her father protested.

“Now, Anton. Goodnight, Annie. Goodnight, Drew.”

“Goodnight, Mrs. Zykov,” Drew called, his voice shook with repressed laughter. “Mr. Z.”

The door slammed, but Annie knew her father would be watching for Drew’s car to leave. Bubba howled again. “Damn that dog.”

“Well, he’s a good bodyguard,” Drew said wryly, stepping back a foot or so. He brought one hand up and cupped her cheek, which was probably bright red, even in the dim glow of the porch light. “I didn’t mean for things to get this out of hand. I’m sorry.”

She mustered a smile. “Don’t be. I told you I was a big girl. You’re still welcome to come in, if you want to brave getting drooled on by my bodyguard.”

He shook his head. “No. You don’t want to get tangled up with me, Annie. I know my father may have tried to make it seem otherwise, but believe me. I’m nobody’s idea of a hero.”

Sweet Dreams

I talked about dreams today on my blog, so I wanted to share a dream scene excerpt today to tease and tantalize. This is from Djinni and the Geek available now at Ellora's Cave. Click on the cover for more info:




“Djinni and the Geek”
By Cindy Spencer Pape
ISBN: 978 14199 13730
Available NOW at Ellora’s Cave:
contemporary/paranormal

THIS CONTAINS ADULT MATERIAL

if you are under 18 or easily offended, stop reading NOW!

Excerpt:


It was her, the dark-haired beauty from the tournament last month. The violet-eyed belly dancer he’d wanted so badly but had never been able to find again.

But now she was here, hot and soft in David’s bed. He didn’t know how he knew it was her, the lights were off but he’d swear he knew her touch, her scent. Her long curls wrapped around both of them. Dave could feel the ends tickle his butt. Her lush curves filled his hands and Dave squeezed, his grip on her plump cheeks drawing her closer to him, plastering her against his chest.

Surprisingly strong arms wound around his neck, pulling his face down to hers and he didn’t resist. What red-blooded male could? He found her lips, touching them gently with his own. He forced himself to go slowly so he wouldn’t scare her away. He didn’t want to lose her—not again. He reveled in each soft stroke of his lips on hers. It was she who deepened the kiss, who opened her lips to nibble on his, who let her hand trail down his spine, pulling his groin even closer to the lush cradle of her hips. He plunged in with his tongue, giving her a foretaste of what he was about to do for real.

Goddess, he wanted her. He couldn’t remember when he’d ever been this hard, this hot. He pulled back so he could trail his lips down her chin to taste the soft skin on the side of her neck. She tasted of sugar and cinnamon, with just enough salty sweat to make the mixture headier than a drug and he licked and kissed his way down to the damp valley between her full, round breasts.

“What’s your name?” His voice was a husky whisper as he paused just long enough to inhale her scent. Spices again and feminine musk. It was the sexiest thing he’d ever smelled and he nuzzled the sides of her breasts, drinking it in.

She moaned, twisting to bring her nipple to his mouth. “Anissa.”

“Anissa.” It was as lovely as she was, feminine and exotic. He sighed with pleasure and caught her dusky brown nipple between his lips, making her cry out. Her nipple was full and plump and hard as a button. He swirled his tongue around it before pulling it in and pressing it between his tongue and the roof of his mouth. She arched her back, thrusting it deeper. He palmed her other breast and kneaded while he suckled.

“Oh yes.” She undulated beneath him and he trailed his hand away from her breast to the thick nest of curls between her legs. He could smell her arousal but he still groaned against her nipple when he felt the thick flood of wetness against his fingers. “Please.”

Her whimpered plea was all the encouragement he needed. With one last kiss, he released her breast and covered her body with his. His hand slid through her drenched slit, rubbed at her swollen clit for a second, then positioned his cock at her entrance. With one hard push, he rammed himself home, filling her hot tight pussy with his aching flesh.

He couldn’t go slowly but she didn’t seem to mind. Her lips lifted to meet every thrust and she made soft little whimpers each time he pushed against her cervix. Her sharp nails dug into the skin of his back, urging him on. He wasn’t going to last long and he wanted to make damn sure she came with him, so he angled his body enough to get his hand in between them and he fingered her clit, swirling it with her juices, then pressing down hard.

That was enough. She convulsed around him, her tight walls gripping his cock like a fist. It was all he needed to send him over the edge and he jerked his hips and shouted, spraying into her with everything he had.

His own cry of pleasure woke him up. As his eyes popped open and sleep drifted away, he could swear he heard her voice echoing in his ears.

The box. You have to open the box.

Have a great week, everyone!

Cowboys? Someone said Cowboys?

So kind of Judith to get us started this week on cowboys. Why it's as if she knew that the third book in my Love at the Crazy H trilogy released from The Wild Rose Press, just last week. (wink) So anyway, how about a visit to Shirley, Wyoming, and a peek at Trip and Beth?

Always a Cowboy

Love at the Crazy H book 3

By Cindy Spencer Pape
Available NOW from The Wild Rose Press:

click the cover for more information

Blurb: Trip, the youngest Hall brother had a nice career going in Los Angeles until a car-crash gone wrong destroyed his future as a stuntman. Now he’s back in Shirley learning how to walk again and learning to be a single dad to baby Trevor. He doesn’t have time in his life for a woman, especially one with a three-year-old daughter. Beth learned her lesson back in high school about Trip’s playboy ways, and she knows better than to give her heart to him again. But when a stalker targets Beth and her daughter, will Trip be able to save them in time? When old friends reunite, danger threatens and sparks fly.

Excerpt: Moderately sensual:

Beth knew that letting Trip kiss her was a very bad idea. So why did it have to feel so darned good?

His lips were gentle, coaxing against hers. His breath smelled of coffee and peppermint, while the rest of him smelled like warm, sweaty male. He was wearing jeans and a baggy sweatshirt. Her fingers burrowed into the soft fleece sleeves and gripped, even while she told herself she was supposed to be pushing him away.

The hand under her chin slipped around her neck and sifted through her hair as he tilted his head to change the angle of the kiss. When his tongue probed softly against the seam of her lips, she opened, welcoming him inside.

So this is what it was like to kiss Trip Hall.

It was every fantasy she’d ever had in high school, and then some.

The bulky knot of her bathrobe’s belt acted as a bundling board between their bodies, preventing her from plastering herself as closely against him as she’d have liked. As his tongue explored every ridge and crevice inside her mouth, her nipples hardened and rasped against the cotton of her pajama top, and moisture dampened the flannel between her legs.

Oh, lord it had been so long. And even with Daniel she’d never gone up in flames like this, not from a simple kiss.

The kiss didn’t stop until they were both out of breath. She wasn’t sure if the groan she heard came from his mouth or hers as he dragged his lips away and pressed her face into the curve below his chin. He dropped another soft kiss on the top of her head and held her close.

“You going to be able to sleep?” he murmured, his breath still warm against her ear.

After that? Beth wasn’t sure she could speak coherently yet so she just shrugged.

“It’s okay, darlin’. I’m not going to let anything happen, to you or Bailey.”

Oh. That’s what he meant. For just a second there she’d actually forgotten about the threatening call. As soon as he mentioned it, though, all the fear came flooding back. She wrapped her arms around his waist and clung, giving in to the need for comfort. It had been so long since she’d had anyone to hold onto. She knew this wasn’t real, wouldn’t last, but just for tonight it was so nice to lean into his big strong body and feel safe.

Check out more at my website: www/cindyspencerpape.com

Coming this Summer:

Here's three summer releases to warm your heart...and maybe more.

June 13, 2008: Always A Cowboy from The Wild Rose Press. The third and final book in the Love at the Crazy H Trilogy features youngest brother, Trip Hall. Trip had a nice career going in Los Angeles until a car-crash gone wrong destroyed his future as a stuntman. Now he’s back in Shirley learning how to walk again and learning to be a single dad to baby Trevor. He doesn’t have time in his life for a woman, especially one with a three-year-old daughter. Beth learned her lesson back in high school about Trip’s playboy ways, and she knows better than to give her heart to him again. But when a stalker targets Beth and her daughter, will Trip be able to save them in time? When old friends reunite, danger threatens and sparks fly.

July 7, 2008: Heart of the Bear from Total-E Bound. Detective and psychic Hannah Lightfoot heads to her family’s mountain cabin to make some hard decisions about the future of her career. When she reaches the cabin she finds it already occupied—by a handsome naked stranger. Shape-shifter Evan Maddox is her brother’s friend and partner. After a night of unbelievable passion, they work together to rescue a kidnapped child. He believes in Hannah’s gifts, but can he trust her with his deepest secrets? Maybe even with his heart?

August 8, 2008: Stone and Sea, from Ellora's Cave. Sent to Atlantic City to retrieve an ancient artifact vital to the future of his clan, gargoyle Remy Rocher meets sexy selkie Marina Bell and ends up getting shot for his efforts. Now he has to find the chalice and keep Marina and himself alive—all while dealing with the hottest sex of his life and emotions that scare him more than evil wizards or mobsters with guns.

Check out these along with my current releases and more upcoming stories on my website, and have a wonderful summer!