I’m late, I know! I was supposed to give you guys some man pics Monday, but things (and the week) got away from me. So, instead of one man I figured I’d give you two. Maybe you’ll forgive me.

Gang,

I’m leaving today for a big family cruise. RAH, Munchkin and I are crusing the southern Caribbean with my folks and my in-laws. This is either going to be great or a disaster. Stay tuned for details…

In the meantime, I’m going to leave you with some advance reviews and an excerpt from Tempt Me With Darkness. If the lovely Naughty Nikki has time to post a thing or two for me while I’m gone, she will. I’m sending her a Manly Monday pic for sure.

5 out of 5! “TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS is fast-paced, emotional and thoroughly addicting… a very strong first installment, and I find myself panting for more of this bold and sassy new series.” ~ Romance Junkies

5 out of 5! “Tempt Me with Darkness is a fascinating tale… I loved the mix of mystical, magical and legend that was woven together to produce a first rate story that delights and entertains.” ~ Fallen Angels Reviews

“You definitely hit it out of the park!!!! I love the magic, the intrigue, the danger, the romance. It had everything you would want in a great novel.  When you finish a book and want to begin again it has got to be that good.  I am sure this is going to be the beginning of a collector set for many devoted readers and will bring many new readers to your door.” ~ Stepahnie, advance reader copy winner

Excerpt

“Still worried about your father?”
“Yes.”

All her life, she’d been told her father died before her birth. After her estranged mother’s recent death, she’d combed through Barbara’s belongings and learned that was a lie. Armed with her father’s name, last known address, and a picture that proved she’d inherited her unusual eyes, she’d been determined to find the truth. Others found long-lost relatives with less. Her search, even with Bram and the hired detective, had turned up nothing. It was as if he’d disappeared.

That worried her. Among her mother’s hidden effects had been an unopened letter her father had written nearly twenty years ago, mailed from London. Her mother hadn’t cared what it said, damn her. Not surprising. Barbara had perfected cold and unresponsive into an art form.
You have a roof over your head, young lady, because I do my duty. Do yours. Make better grades. Clean your room. Don’t touch me.

Good ol’ Mom had concealed every trace of her father. Then again, if there’d been a way to isolate Olivia or make her miserable, Barbara had pounced on it. Her suicide put an exclamation point on that fact.

In the letter, Richard Gray had begged Barbara to come back to him and bring their daughter. The poignant longing in his words had brought tears to her eyes. He’d wanted to meet Olivia, know her, love her. Her. She wasn’t a burden to him.

He’d vowed to protect them. From what? Did whatever he feared have anything to do with her inability to find him now? Meeting him would, at least, satisfy her curiosity. At best, he might help her get beyond her fear of letting people close. Please God, don’t let her be too late.

“My search is nearly at a dead end,” she went on. “I’ve got one more address I can follow up on, but if that doesn’t pan out…I’ll have to think of something else. I’m so frustrated.”

To make matters worse, business hadn’t been great, so she feared losing this little dream shop. A Touch of Magic was her one place, her center, when everything else was crap. It was her greatest achievement to date. But she lacked the money to keep paying the detective. If she went broke, she’d have to decide: Stay here or go back to the States.

Go back to what? asked the voice in her head. Here, she had made herself some roots. No more moving to a new city every three months and being the new kid in town, as she had with Mom. In England, she felt more…at home. Her flat was small. She wasn’t looking forward to the upcoming cold winter. And she hated the food. Didn’t Brits believe in good enchiladas? But the sense of history, of permanency, was to die for.
“I have a feeling he’ll turn up soon. Don’t give up.”

“Not as long as there’s still a chance I’ll find him.”

“That’s the spirit.” Bram’s warmth reached through the phone. “You tenacious American girls never fail to impress.”

Bram was a good friend. A little flirtatious, but flirting was like breathing for him. She never took his smiles and charm seriously. Besides, typically men weren’t interested in her that way.

Except, perhaps, for the broodingly sexy artist she’d met this morning.

Broodingly sexy? Marrok had been rude. An ass.

But for a brief moment, she’d sworn he wanted her. Jerk or not, knowing that had made her feel giddy and unleashed a hot tumble of desire inside her. One touch from him, and her body had lit up like a Christmas tree. Pathetic.

Ever since Marrok slammed out of A Touch of Magic that morning, a weird ache had nagged her body. Exhaustion dragged her down. Damn it, she needed sleep or caffeine—something.

“Olivia,” Bram said. “I called about Marrok. Don’t be surprised if you hear from him. I think he feels ghastly about whatever row you had today.”

“Good. I’d planned on hunting him down tomorrow.” And keeping her libido out of the conversation. “Temperamental, but wow, his talent…”

“I thought you’d be thrilled. He’s difficult and odd. But give him a chance.”

Olivia jerked on the door handle and tried to turn the key. Nothing. Some days, the old thing took an active dislike to her. Like today. Then a stutter beep in her ear made her sigh.

“Will do. I’ve got to run. My battery is dying, and I can’t get the damn door locked.”

They agreed to touch base in a few days and hung up. She tried the lock again. Jammed.

“Argh!” She pushed a strand of dark hair from her eyes. “Obstinate door.”

“Does talking to it help?”

Olivia whirled at the deep, unexpected voice. Through the darkness, a male figure towered near.

Marrok.

Though the shadows held most of his face in mystery, shards of desire needled her. He stood unmoving as pale glimmers of light splashed across his wolfish eyes. His tight black t-shirt clung to broad shoulders, worn denim to long, hard thighs. He was like an action figure come to life.

“You startled me.” A hint of accusation laced her voice.

With him near, exhaustion wasn’t a problem. Suddenly, her body pinged with life.

“Not for the first time, I think.” He stepped out of the shadows. Light from the half-moon bathed his hard face in silvery tones. “I startled you this morning as well. I apologize.”

He closed the distance between them, so quietly she understood how he’d sneaked up on her. Then he withdrew the keys from her tense grip. With a quick flick of his wrist, he locked the shop’s door. Olivia couldn’t look away from the planes of his broad back, the ripple of his shoulders.]

What would they feel like under her hands as he thrust deep inside her?

I’ll see everyone when I get back!

Hey, gang! I know I don’t usually blog again until Friday, and that’s when I post about books to try out, but the lovely and fabulous Candace Havens, who is in my local RWA chapter, had the mass market release from her acclaimed Charmed series come out on Tuesday. CHARMED AND READY continues the saga of the evil-fighting Bronwyn in her quest for peace, romance and the perfect mojito. Candy’s sense of humor sparkles, and there’s some hot magic between Bronwyn and her leading men. Here’s a quick blurb:

After spending most of her life single-practically an occupational hazard for a witch-Bronwyn’s finally found a sexy warlock to love. But it’s going to take more than a few love spells to keep him from getting jealous about her latest gig-protecting a rock star named Zane from the creepy Goth guys in cloaks who keep showing up at his concerts and zapping his mojo. Bronwyn would like nothing better than to blow them up in an inferno of Love That Red smoke, but they’re proving elusive. And in the meantime-what girl wouldn’t want to hang with the hottest man in music?

Enjoy! I adored the first in this series and I’ll be picking up the second this weekend!

Hey, gang. I’m partially recovered. It’s short-lived, however. I leave Saturday for a southern Caribbean cruise. Yeah, I know… No one is feeling sorry for me. It’s a family trip, and I’m looking forward to it, but it IS complicating my schedule a wee bit. When we planned this cruise over a year ago, who know I’d be ass-deep in deadline?

Wednesday:

Anyway, I left home last Wednesday morning with Nikki Duncan (aka Naughty Nikki). I realized immediately that I’d forgotten my camera, so I have no pics to share. Sorry! We hit the TGI Friday’s at the airport, visions of mimosas dancing in our brains. Once there, we discover they are out of champagne. What??? We settle for HUGE strawberry margaritas. At 9am. LOL.

The flight there was uneventful. After dragging our luggage on the sidewalk outside (no hardship, really, since it was a sunny and breezy 68 there, as opposed to the 105 when I left home), we located the shuttle and had a fun ride to our hotel.

Upon arrival, our room wasn’t ready and roomie Sylvia Day had already been waiting for a few hours. I met her in the upstairs restaurant and chowed down on the buffet with her, Jordan Summers and Julia Templeton. We dished dirt about current gossip, celebrating the fact conference was about to begin.

After the buffet, we finally get in our rooms, unpacked our boxes and prepared for the literacy signing at 5:30. Ran into chapter mate Ted Weems (aka Jax’s bitch), who was assumbling the last of the basket for our chapter. Got a phone call from friend L Swift, who couldn’t be there, but so wanted to be.

I fluffed and buffed a little on my appearance, then ran back downstairs for the signing. I sat between Jenna Black and the ever-fun Sandy Blair. We had a great time, and I saw a lot of old friends and new fans. Very enjoyable, but I had to cut it a bit short to head to my agency’s party. The view at the top of the hotel was divine! I got a chance to say hello to Karin Tabke, meet her husband, as well as some new friends. The food and wine were excellent, and a good time was had by all! Then, after an impromptu dinner with Sylvia and a few chapter mates, I collapsed into bed.

Thursday:

More craziness! I got up early and met my Berkley editor for a great breakfast. We had a lovely time catching up and talking about all the upcoming erotic projects, including Luc (for those of you still asking). I think you’ll see lots of exciting things in the upcoming titles.

About 30 minutes after breakfast…it was time to meet Maya Banks for an early lunch. It was the only time our schedules coincided, so I picked at a hamburger and we left the hotel for a gritty business chat–one of our favorite subjects!

I meandered around for a bit, talked to my buddy Melissa Schroeder for a bit, then we got dressed and headed to the Passionate Ink Sex by the Bay party. To my happy surprise, Wicked Ties won the Passionate Plume for the best erotic contemporary of 2007!

Riding that high, I went on to the Pocket publisher’s party. They bussed us to a nearby restaurant. After a little bubbly on the bus, we arrived to flowing wine, lovely appetizers, and great conversation. I sat with my editor and several of her authors, like Jennifer St. Giles and debut author Starr Ambrose. We also sat with several of the Simon & Schuster sales reps and had lovely conversation about all kinds of topics, from books, to kids, to TV and everything inbetween.

This party ran long, so I missed another party I was due to attend, but I spent more time with friends in the bar. (Do you see a trend here?) We got to bed late, and I had to get up early.

Friday:

This was an INSANE day! I had breakfast with Mel Schroeder, ran into a few more friends, then had lunch with my Pocket editor. She took me to a lovely Italian restaurant about 6 blocks from the hotel. It was a gorgeous walk, a perfect day. Just wow! We had a great time talking about the series and what I plan for future installments, cover treatments for the next two titles, SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW and POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT. Soon, we were walking back and enjoying the great weather again. Her husband had just joined her the previous night, so I know she was eager to explore the city with him. Plus, I had to get back to the hotel for a speaking engagement.

Mel, Angela James of Samhain and I spoke about the myths and realities of e-publishing. Several people approached me afterward to say they found it beneficial. There are a lot of misconceptions about what e-publishing is and isn’t out there, so I’m hopeful that the folks who attended learned something new. Immediately after that, I ran to the Berkley author signing. I was sort of in the corner, hidden by two people with big lines, which was a bummer. I did sign copies of Decadent and hand out excerpt booklets for Tempt Me With Darkness.

The evening progressed with the Berkley cocktail party. I sat with Angela Knight and her husband for a bit. Spoke with Candace Havens, had a long chat with Renee Bernard, a friendly visit with Virginia Kantra and her husband and a hug with the editor. Then it was off to eat pizza with chapter mates and a few new friends. Shortly thereafter, I was approached by a friend I’ve spoken with a few times over email and had the opportunity to, I hope, help her with a career question.

I’d planned an early night…but Sylvia, that texting devil, told me to get my butt down stairs. There she was with Jo Carol of Romantic Times and former RT conference coordinator Peggy. We drank for a few more hours. Again, I went to bed too late and had to get up early.

Saturday:

Because of my late night, I skipped the Samhain author breakfast. It started at 7:30 and I just couldn’t make myself get up. At 9:45, I had to be down stairs and ready to sign for Pocket. Nope, they had no books available yet, but I took advantage of pal Bella Andre’s crowd and passed out more excerpt booklets.

Afterward, Sylvia, Jordan, Julia and Nikki and I all found ourselves at the buffet in the hotel again, energy lagging. We chatted for a while. After, I met Jenna Petersen in the bar for a drink and a quick catch-up. I wedged in a quick conversation with an RWA Pro memeber who won 30 minutes of time to pick my brain at the convention, then it was off to meet my agent, who thankfully got me one of those Starbucks’ Vivanno things to perk me up. We had a lovely chat, which in a lot of ways, ended up being the highlight of the convention for me.

Then Sylvia and I headed to the pub down the street for beer and greasy burgers. Yum! Before slipping into our dresses for the big RITA and Golden Heart ceremony. Her friend and former critique partner, Annette McCleave, won the Golden Heart for best unpublished paranormal manuscript. Sylvia accepted on her behalf, then promptly woke her up in Nova Scotia to give her the good news. After laughing about it for a bit, we skipped the end of the ceremony to take advantage of the dessert and the bar first. We sat with Sylvia’s editor, Kate Duffy, and had a lovely time.

We escaped upstairs early to pack and try to get sleep.

Sunday:

Went home. Boohoo! This year’s conference was one of the busiest I’ve ever had, but very worth the trip. Even though I’m still trying to get my voice back and sound like a frog, I’m looking to next year in Washington D.C.

Gang, I just returned from the RWA National Conference in San Francisco late last night. After 5 days of running from pillar to post, as it were, I’m beat. Even a good night’s sleep hasn’t done much, so none of my usual attempted witticisims today. I’ll give you the full rundown of the conference on Wednesday. Today? You’ll just have to settle for him…

I’m off to San Francisco today, and you’re not likely to see me until next week’s Manly Monday, as I’m not taking my laptop with me. Gasp, I know. I am taking a portable word processor with me, so there will be writing…just no Internet.

So onto Whatever Wednesday… Yesterday, Warner Brothers FINALLY released the teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The movie is out in the U.S. on November 21, and Harry has long been an obsession for me. I’m always thrilled to see a new HP movie. The trailer for this looks very interesting. View it here.

I’m SO looking forward to this. Harry is one of the reasons I chose to write about witches and wizards…though my world is not like JKR’s. And the Doomsday Brethren are much sexier. But I love the unexpectedness of magic. Let me know what you think of the trailer. Are you looking forward to this movie?

It’s hot…in more ways than one. In my neck of the woods (as they say down south), we’re expecting triple-digit heat for the next 7 days. I think today is supposed to be 107. *pant*

Because I’m already overheated, I’m going to post one of my favorite guys of all time from Manly Monday. I think he’s just about IT.

Are you hot now too?

The first advance reviews for TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS are beginning to com in. Besides Publisher’s Weekly’s stunning (to me) review, I’ve also heard from a few other sources. Here’s the round up:

Advance reviews:
“This orgasmic paranormal…will have Black’s fans panting for the next installment.” ~ Publisher’s Weekly

“Kudos!” Romantic Times Bookclub

“I have to tell you I loved it. With so many authors writing paranormal you’ve done a great job making sure your voice is heard.” ~ Ann Lorz Best Sellers Bookstore

“Shayla’s created a very interesting reality with standout characters whom I enjoyed getting to know. I certainly was kept up past bedtime by this one! I’ll look forward to the next book with pleasure.” ~ Merry Cutler, Romantic Times Bookseller of the year

“Brava, Ms. Black, for the start of what looks to be a phenomenal series!” Denise McClain ~ Book reviewer

“All I can say is WOW! This one had my emotions all over the place…got a little hot and bothered, cried some, laughed some and loved it from beginning to end.” ! RR@H Novel Thoughts & Book Talk

“WOWOWOWOWOW! Black rocks: emotion, storylines and loveable, must have heroes! I sat and was engrossed. You created a memorable hero and I love the world building.” ~ Joy Harris, Joyfully Reviewed

I also got a new review for DANGEROUS BOYS AND THEIR TOY yesterday from Fallen Angels:

“Shayla Black is a queen of erotic writing. I wait with anticipation for her next stories and books.”

A queen? Me? LOL. RAH is getting a nice laugh out of that about now.

In other news, still preparing for my trip to the Romance Writers’ of America conference in San Francisco. I’ve been shopping and having my hair done, need a pedicure, etc. My schedule is jam packed with meetings, but I’m really looking forward to seeing industry contacts and friends.

I’ll be back next Sunday. I’ll try to leave blogs for RAH to publish while I’m gone, however.

The August newletter is ready and should be distributed on time. If you haven’t entered my contest to win an ARC of TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS, you’ve got a few days left.

Until next week…

It’s that day of the week where I feature a new or upcoming release from a friend or esteemed peer. Today, it’s from someone who’s both! Charlene Teglia has won a Romantic Times award for best erotic of the year and continues to write hot books for St. Martin’s Press. Her latest, WICKED HOT, has awesome reader feedback. I’ll be anxious to read this one for myself! Here’s a few tasty morsels:

Two immortal warriors attending to her every need…
The struggle between good and evil is about to get…Wicked Hot

Edana is a succubus—a breathtakingly beautiful demon who offers men their most decadent fantasy in exchange for their souls. No one can get close to her without being destroyed..until she meets Eli and Dal. Both men are Nephilim, immortal warriors who bind and banish demons. Edana’s mission is to arouse their lust and steal their souls before they can destroy her—she never expects to fall in love. Shared by two virile lovers and lost in a world of sensation, Edana begins to fall for one of the warriors, jeopardizing her mission. Only he has power to save her, but first she must give him power over her heart—and her destiny…

Wicked Hot
copyright 2008 Charlene Teglia
St. Martin’s Griffin, all rights reserved

Eli lowered his mouth to mine and kissed me as if it was a prelude to battle and a sensual declaration of war. His lips ravaged mine, payback for the brutal kiss I’d given him. I tilted my head back to offer him a better angle and opened my lips under the bruising pressure of his. He made a low, growling sound and sent his tongue probing in search of mine.

We circled, tested, and parried with our tongues, the actions more reminiscent of a duel than a kiss. Opponents feeling each other out, taking each other’s measure, gauging skill and style. Each searching for an opening in the other’s guard.

Eli ended the skirmish of lips and tongues and drew back, his forehead touching mine, our mouths the smallest space apart. A gap either of us could close easily. “You’re not an amateur.”

“Neither are you.” My voice was a little breathless and it wasn’t done for deliberate effect. Eli had made me work to keep up with him in the kiss, just like he had walking, and I hadn’t expected it.

“I didn’t have to hold back with you.” Eli stated this as if I shouldn’t have had to have it explained. It was like an echo of my conversation with Dal.

I thought about the implications of a being with enough sex drive to go through a hundred women not holding back and felt almost dizzy with sexual greed. Maybe the experience would be worth the risk. Almost immediately I wanted to smack myself. Worth risking eternal banishment? Lust makes everybody stupid.

On the other hand, Eli was treating me almost like an equal and that was…interesting. Unique in my experience. I had the funny sense that it was the closest thing I’d get to a compliment for him to spar with me on my field of battle. Like he thought I could give him a challenging fight.

“Do you really want me here, on this beach?” I asked Eli. “All those rocks under us, digging in and making things uncomfortable?”

“You wanted to come here,” Eli reminded me.

“Yeah, well, there’s historical precedent to temptation in the wilderness,” I said. “Also, I thought the beach would be softer. Sandy.”

“There’s sand when the tide’s further out.” Eli looked dead serious, but I had the distinct impression he was laughing at me inside.

Rolling around on the beach sounded sexy, but not if it included hitting my head on a rock. Of course, having my skin scoured off by sand probably wouldn’t be much more fun. A job was a job, though. I steeled myself for it. “Fine. Let’s do it, then. I get to be on top.”

“I’m not scraping my ass on these rocks for you.”

I bit back a laugh that turned to a gasp as we transitioned, from the beach below to the forested cliff above in a blink.

“This is more like it,” Eli said. “A soft bed of moss and ferns.”

I clutched at him and looked around. It was like being in a primeval forest, the trees were so ancient, tall and moss-covered. Soft, filtered light came from the canopy high above us, making our little spot seem dim and intimate. The roar of the surf below filled the air with a surging rhythm and the air had a tang of salt that mixed with the green scent of forest. A place out of time. Out of the modern world. A place that sat just on the cusp of two realms, the world of water and the world of woods.

“Yes,” I agreed. My voice sounded hushed to my own ears. “This is more like it.”

Eli lowered me to the forest floor. The moss under us felt surprisingly soft and springy. It beat being backed up against a nearby tree, especially since the ones I could see had a tendency to sprout shelf lichen all around their trunks. He arranged us side by side, facing each other. One of his large hands rested on my hip. The other arm went under me, making a sort of pillow for me. His long hair spilled over my shoulder, and somehow that felt more intimate than the kisses we’d exchanged.

Eli looked into my eyes, and I felt my breath stop. “Laying down, we’re the same height,” he said, his voice rasping with an edge of hunger that called to my own.

This book is in stores near you and online. Grab one and let me know what you think!