Donna Michaels - Author of Romaginative Fiction

THE SPY WHO FANGED ME Released today!

2010-06-15T10:03:00.007-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm pleased to announce the release of my romantic comedy paranormal---

The Spy Who Fanged Me

By Donna Michaels

Romantic Comedy Paranormal

214 Pages—Hot

Available Now at:

Whimsical Publications

Amazon Barnes & Noble

=============================

Blurb

What’s the world to do when gold starts disappearing and the agents assigned to the case are turned into life-size lawn ornaments?

Send in Double O Fang Agent Pierce De Vein, and Shifter Intelligence Agent (SIA) Kitty Katt to investigate. Unhappy with their forced alliance, each loner must learn to work with a partner and stop trying to outdo one another long enough to solve the case. When the evidence points to an evil gnome and his army of rogue leprechauns, the agents infiltrate the organization in the forms of a bat and a cat.

Will their plan work, or will they end up sleeping with the daisies as a pair of garden decorations?

=========================

Excerpt

“You and your partner are to start by reviewing all the security fo—”

“Whoa. Wait a minute. Back the fourteen karat cart up, Sir.” Pierce leaned forward, mouth opened with something between a frown and a smile claiming his lips. “I think you’ve mistaken me with one of the other agents. I don’t have a partner. I work alone.”

Well aware of the fact, and that none of Pierce’s partner problems had been his fault, Methos ignored the young operative’s interruption and continued. “All three branches of P.L.A.S.M.A, Vampire, Shifter and Witch, are in agreement. This is very serious. If the gold is not returned to the Federal Reserve soon, we’ll have a worldwide economic disaster. So far, they’ve kept it under wraps, but it’s only a matter of time before the news gets out. And you know the type of panic it can cause.”

“Yes, Sir, but—”

“No buts.” Methos leaned forward and stared hard at the vampire. “Due to the severity of the situation, and the unknown supernatural cause to those agents’ afflictions, we’ve agreed to send in two of our top agents, with several more standing by if needed.”

Pierce slipped the file into a soft, leather case, then sat back. “I can handle this mission on my own.”

Of that, Methos had no doubt. But he wouldn’t be given the chance.

One of four remaining Ancients, Methos had the ability to track and assess every single Vampire. He’d hand picked his agents, and if he hadn’t deemed Pierce worthy, they wouldn’t be having this conversation. DeVein brought to the table an unusual intellect and wit, and had the uncanny ability to talk just about anybody or anything into doing his bidding. Charm was the boy’s deadliest weapon, but charm alone would not solve this case.

That’s where the shifter came in. Methos had had his eye on her for some time now. Although he couldn’t track her, he could read the woman and had observed her work closely over the past year. She was cunning, swift and strong, but just a little too impulsive. His hope, and the shared hope of her boss, was for this pairing to teach her the merits of Pierce’s slower, more thoughtful approach and for Pierce, in turn, to experience the advantage of having a strong partner he could trust.

Methos sat back and stared at his agent through narrowed eyes. “Need I remind you who’s running things around here, DeVein?”

“No, Sir.” The young vampire wisely dropped his gaze. “Of course not.”

Methos continued with a wave of his hand. “I know you’ve had trouble in the past, but maybe you just haven’t found the right…partner.”

Pierce stiffened, his narrowed gaze lifting bright with alarm. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

A knock on the door saved Methos from answering. Far better for the agent to see rather than hear. “Come in,” he called to the door. This was sure to be memorable. Methos rose to his feet, more than a little curious to see DeVein’s reaction. “Meet your new partner.”

His agent didn’t bother to get up. He just sat there with a disgusted look on his face and gazed at the opening door. A wave of air rolled in, carrying a mixture of three scents. Confidence, curiosity and—cat.

DeVein didn’t utter a word, but his white-knuckled grip on the chair spoke volumes to Methos. The boy recognized the scent.

“Is this a private party or can anybody join?” Clothed in black leather, the beautiful shifter trotted in, long black hair swaying past her waist while her green eyes sparkled with pride above an ear to ear grin.

“Oh, hell no,” Pierce blurted before he vaulted to his feet and glared.

The cat’s full presence appeared to light a fire under his agent. Interesting. Most uncharacteristic of him. Methos could understand the reaction, though. She was potent. The combination of exquisite beauty, coupled with her effervescence, made the shifter intoxicating. A trait he’d watched her use to her advantage on many missions. One which helped shape the shifter into an excellent agent. Now, if she could just quell her impulsiveness.

“No way,” Pierce repeated, thrusting a finger at his new partner. “I’m not working with that animal!”

==========================

Formerly released as the novella Dr. Gnome through Forbidden Publications, TSWFM is now a full novel through a new publisher, has over 40,000 new words, several funny new scenes and a brand new ending. I hope you have as much fun with this novel as I did.

Thanks for reading,

~Donna

Donna Michaels

Author of Romaginative Fiction

www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

THE SPY WHO FANGED ME—Available Now in Print at Whimsical Publications

Meet Your Mate—Available Now in eBook & Print at The Wild Rose Press

FATED HEARTS—Available Now in eBook & Print at The Wild Rose Press

LEGEND OF THE FOURTH MOON/THE MARK OF GOREN—Available Now in eBook & Print at TWRP

ENTWINED BY FATE releasing soon by my friends, Stella and Audra Price!

2010-01-12T10:35:00.000-05:00

On January 19th, Entwined by Fate the first in a innovative and sexy new series from S.A.Price releases. This series breaks the accepted boundaries on what is familiar in the shifter genre, by having Ophidians, or weresnakes as a focus.

Thirty females of the Ophidian race have gone missing, most from the transient nest of Las Vegas, a rogue and unofficial nest run by the Saint, John Merrick. Believed to be dead by every Archon in the states, Merrick leads a quiet and unassuming life, saving those of his race that are lost and need it most. It's a solitary existence, one that he hates every day. He yearns for his mate, the woman he left over a decade before, and the woman who thinks him dead to this day.

When Elise Rizdon gets the official invitation to the Archon meeting in Ohio by the leader of a new Midwestern nest, she never expected to see the love of her life at the woman's side, a man she was told was dead and buried. She lost him once upon a time, and she never fully recovered. Focusing on the issues, and not the man that has always made her body burn is not going to be easy. A disturbing event is on the horizon, one that threatens all Ophidian's and their way of life. In order to survive they will have to work together, give up old grudges and take chances on the things that matter most. Love, life and the continuation of their race.

And the reviews have been amazing!

S.A. Price has written a winner! The taut plot line and the constant danger lurking at every corner increase the tension as the reader anxiously turns the pages. S.A. Price does a marvelous job at integrating subplots and smoothly fitting all of the pieces together. The secondary romances developing within the plot line make the happily-ever-after all the more satisfying. Brilliant!
~Recommended Read, Ck2s Kwips and Kritiques

“Move over werewolf’s there’s a new game in town!”
~ Smokin Hot Books

“It kept me captivated …I just had to know what was going to happen next!”
~Books, Books and More Books

"A sexy were species that really pushes the envelope! Who knew snakes could be so hot-blooded!?"
~Jennifer Armintrout, best selling author of the Blood Ties series

Interested? Check out why this book is getting such amazing feedback, and help us prove that weresnakes are sssexy and that scales could definitely be the new fur for you shifter readers!

JOIN THE REVOLUTION! You can read an excerpt here and you can buy the E book from All Romance E books and the print from Amazon.

Win a Designer Handbag in my LOTFM Contest!!

2009-07-03T10:45:00.010-05:00

To celebrate the release of my sci-fi romance...

LEGEND OF THE FOURTH MOON/THE MARK OF GOREN

I'm holding a contest with a designer handbag as the prize!!

I chose this beautiful purple Kathy Van Zeeland purse because she shares part of my hero's last name, and the color matches my heroine's eyes and the electricity she wields.

Click HERE and scroll down to view the contest rules!

Thanks for your support and Good luck!!

~Donna

Stop and Smell The Rose Bouquet Blog WINNER!

2009-06-23T08:05:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to: Val Pearson!

I already sent an email. Please check out the titles, blurbs and excerpts at http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/ and email your free download choice to me. Congrats again!!

A big THANK YOU to all who participated in the contest and to everyone who left such nice comments. I had a great day yesterday and hope you all did too. Be sure to keep an eye out for TWRP's next 'Blog Bouquet'!

And don't forget in July I'll be giving away a free designer purse in my official Legend of the Fourth Moon/The Mark of Goren Contest. You'll have to read the book in order to participate. The full details will be posted on my Contest Page next month!

Have a great day!

~Donna

Donna Michaels with the STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES BLOG BOUQUET

2009-06-21T18:21:00.015-05:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you're enjoying your trip around the 'rose garden' today! There is a lot of talent blooming and I'm happy to participate in this fun 'bouquet'!

My name is Donna Michaels and I'm grateful to The Wild Rose Press for publishing THANKS FOR GIVING back in 2006, which gave me my first sale! Since then, I've signed twelve more contracts with them.

Today I'd like to talk about my latest TWRP release: LEGEND OF THE FOURTH MOON/THE MARK OF GOREN. My first sci-fi romance and it's garnering great feedback! Phew! It's a relief when your 'baby' is as well received by others as it has been by you. lol

Here's the cover, blurb and an excerpt:

Legend of the Fourth Moon/The Mark of Goren
ISBN 1-60154-452-9
384 Pages /Sci-Fi Romance-Hot
Available Now in e-Book and Print
from The Wild Rose Press
Purchase
==================

Blurb

In the Andromeda Galaxy, XANDRA MONOCERROS, Princess of Lacerta, dreads the coming of the Fourth Moon. Every five years it appears, drawing death to someone dear. First her mother then her husband. Will this cycle take another loved one? Even worse, Lacerta is heading for the same implosion disaster as their ancestral planet Earth.

Seeking a solution, Xandra crosses paths with DARIUS VAN LAARS—the dangerous outlaw from her visions. Will their intense attraction dissuade Darius from carrying out personal revenge on the man key to saving Xandra’s planet? Can she save Lacerta or will she fall victim to the Legend of the Fourth Moon?

==================

Excerpt

“Sit, Princess,” he repeated. “Don’t think I won’t take off with you standing.”

Her gaze shot to the seats along the back wall, but she dismissed them. They’d make her feel like…royalty. The ship lurched. Bugger. He wasn’t kidding. She hopped into the chair next to him and barely had her belt fastened when he punched the thrusters and they shot from the planet.

Once they leveled out, her fingers loosened their grip to caress the arms of her chair. She smiled. They were safely in outer space. In a half hour, she’d be on Alshain and finally able to search for answers.

She glanced sideways at Darius. “Nice take-off.”

He kept his face averted.

“Don’t tell me you’re still mad?” Silence. “Come on. All I wanted was a ride to the planet where you were already heading.” Xandra sighed. “Jeez. Whoever claimed women are moody obviously never met you.”

A string of curses assaulted her ears before a large fist pounded a switch. The sound of metal scraping metal registered in her brain a moment before cold, hard shackles clamped her wrists and ankles to her seat. Tight.

“W-what are you doing?” She tugged and then tugged again, steel restraints biting into her skin. It was no use. She was immobile.

Darius remained silent.

She tried to lift her fingers to shock the metal and short the system, but there wasn’t enough room. Her throat dried. What now?

Autopilot button flicked on, he unstrapped himself and stood. Alarm raced down her spine. Why was he standing? There was no need for him to stand. Stay calm. Don’t panic. When he stopped in front of her and folded those massive arms across his chest her pulse didn’t understand calm. She looked up and gasped. Okay, now you can panic. An icy gray gaze squeezed her heart like a royal corset to her ribs.

Her fingers sought the knives sheathed at her wrists. No good. The shackles prevented access to them, too. What about magic? She chewed her lip. No. That would only render him unconscious and she would still be stuck in the chair.

“Give it up, Princess.” His cold tone frosted the air and tripped her heart. “You’re at my mercy now.”

Void of all emotion, the face of an outlaw stared down at her. She swallowed. Had she misjudged him?

“That’s right, Princess, you should fear me.” He grasped her wrist restraints and leaned in.

Heart hammering, she shrank back, but not from fright. His scent and warmth washed over her, bringing her to life with a delicious shiver. Gray eyes narrowed. He missed nothing.

Darn her body for betraying her mind. It responded to his nearness like an animal in heat. What was wrong with her? The stranger could be about to kill her and all she could think about was pressing into his hard muscles.

She closed her eyes. If she hadn’t witnessed him softening when Braedon spoke of Halo, Xandra would’ve sworn Darius only cared about Darius. But he had softened. Her eyes flew open. He won’t harm me.

Hot breath tingled her face. She gripped the arms of the chair and stared, mesmerized. He was so virile, so dangerous, so...sexy. Awareness ripped through her, peaking her nipples while her underlace dampened. Never had she experienced such a physical rush. She was losing control…fast.

She could use her magic on him, but didn’t. She wanted to break eye contact, but couldn’t. After what seemed like an eternity, he looked away. That brought no relief. Her chest warmed under his gaze and nipples hardened further. She had to end this.

But when he looked up, all thoughts of stopping flew into space like dust off the second moon. Eyes no longer frosty blazed with desire and ravaged her face. No man had ever looked at her with so much hunger. Saliva pooled in her mouth.

He was going to kiss her.

Xandra’s last coherent thought was if this was a dream—Natalia had better not wake her.

A grunt rumbled from deep in his throat as his lips came down on hers, swallowing her moan and the last of her inhibitions.

This was no vision. This was real.

Hot and demanding, his kiss rocked her core. They didn’t know each other in life or their dreams, but the second their flesh met, they knew heat. She wanted more, needed more and opened up to him. He accepted the invitation by cupping her face and deepening the kiss with a thrust of his tongue. A delicious scorching consumed her mouth and the burning flowed through her body, stinging a path to her middle. Intense sensations ravaged, and when he tipped his head for a better angle, she nearly lost it. Dark, needy sounds filled the cabin as she journeyed through unchartered erotic territory.

Xandra trembled.

Pulled in—taken over, hot liquid replaced her blood, growing hotter the longer they kissed. Her fingers curled into fists and she yanked, longing to hold his face and return his kiss with equal fervor. But steel restraints bit into her wrists. She couldn’t break free.

Darius didn’t seem to mind. His grip tightened and delicious assault continued.

Want guided her actions. Leaning forward, Xandra plundered his scalding mouth and devoured his answering groan. Empowered, she swept her tongue over his and sucked him further inside. A hot-icy tingling besieged her body as she rode the flow of stinging lava.

But something was wrong. Pleasure swiftly turned to pain.

Head aching, ears ringing, she tried to pull away but couldn’t break the flow. Intense pricking gripped her body like a swarm of bees. She clutched the chair, about to cry out when Darius tore his mouth from hers, taking away the severe prickling.

The unbearable sting remained.

“Damn it!” His faint words filtered through her foggy mind. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

==================

~Thanks for reading!

==================

Now comes the contest part!

I saved the debut of my LOTFM/TMOG trailer specially for today's fun blog roll so I could encorporate it into my contest. All you have to do is watch the trailer (I promise it's much easier to watch the short video (1:39 seconds) than it was to match the pictures with the beat. lol) when you're done, just follow the instructions below.

To win one free download of your choice from any of my titles, including LOTFM/TMOG, email the answer to this question:

What color eyes does the evil entity have?

See? Simple. Now, just email your answer to:
donna _michaels @ msn. com (minus spaces) with Rose Blog Bouquet Contest in the Subject line. Tomorrow morning (June23), I'll draw a random winner and post the name here so be sure to check back.

Before I send you on your merry way, I want to give you a heads up about the official LOTFM/TMOG Contest I'm holding in July with a designer handbag as the prize. In order for a chance to win, you'll need to read the story. Keep an eye on my website next month for all the details.

Speaking of websites, if you'd like to check out more of my titles and excerpts, please visit http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

Okay, go have fun with the rest of the roses!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and good luck!

~Donna

Stop and Smell the Roses Blog Bouquet

All Day – Monday – June 22, 2009

A blog tour hosted by the authors of the Wild Rose Press.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Star Trek and Legend of the Fourth Moon/The Mark of Goren share a release day!!!

2009-05-08T16:11:00.014-05:00

I'm so thrilled to finally be able to share my romantic sci-fi adventure with everyone...and that LOTFM/TMOG came out the same day as the new Star Trek movie!!

What a great sci-fi day! I can't wait to see the movie. It looks very promising. I was supposed to take my kids to the midnight showing last night...but none of our local theaters had one.:( Now, I'll have to drag my hubby to the theater for our anniversary. lol Actually, that won't be a problem, he likes sci-fi!

So do I...and my long await release has arrived! This book is my baby. I love the story. I love the characters. I love the setting. Did I mention I love the story? lol I'm so happy to share the particulars with you. Hope you enjoy!

Legend of the Fourth Moon/The Mark of Goren
By Donna Michaels
ISBN 1-60154-452-9
384 Pages
Sci-Fi Romance-Hot
Available Now in e-Book and Print
from The Wild Rose Press
Purchase
==================

Blurb

In the Andromeda Galaxy, XANDRA MONOCERROS, Princess of Lacerta, dreads the coming of the Fourth Moon. Every five years it appears, drawing death to someone dear. First her mother then her husband. Will this cycle take another loved one? Even worse, Lacerta is heading for the same implosion disaster as their ancestral planet Earth.

Seeking a solution, Xandra crosses paths with DARIUS VAN LAARS—the dangerous outlaw from her visions. Will their intense attraction dissuade Darius from carrying out personal revenge on the man key to saving Xandra’s planet? Can she save Lacerta or will she fall victim to the Legend of the Fourth Moon?

==================

Excerpt

“All clear, Princess Xandra” The guards exited the ship and waited.

“Thank you.” She dismissed them with a nod and entered with Darius still in tow.

The moment the door whooshed close and cut off access to the outside, tension slammed her body harder than her duffle bag crashing against the far wall.

She flinched. “Hey! I have breakable items in there.”

“Sit!” He stomped to his chair.

Yeah, definitely not happy.

Strap whipped into place, he punched buttons and flip switches for pre-flight procedure. The powerful engine hummed to life, barely vibrating the craft. She ignored his tantrum and glanced around.

“Wow, this Elite-5 is beautiful and the engine is smooth like they proclaim.” Shivers ran down her arms at the site of the control panel. She rubbed her hands together. I wonder how she flies. One look at the pulse jumping in the outlaw’s temple and she knew her chances of finding a man to love her and not her throne were better than her chances of piloting this ship.

“Sit, Princess,” he repeated. “Don’t think I won’t take off with you standing.”

Her gaze shot to the seats along the back wall, but she dismissed them. They’d make her feel like…royalty. The ship lurched. Bugger. He wasn’t kidding. She hopped into the chair next to him and barely had her belt fastened when he punched the thrusters and they shot from the planet.

Once they leveled out, her fingers loosened their grip to caress the arms of her chair. She smiled. They were safely in outer space. In a half hour, she’d be on Alshain and finally able to search for answers.

She glanced sideways at Darius. “Nice take-off.”

He kept his face averted.

“Don’t tell me you’re still mad?” Silence. “Come on. All I wanted was a ride to the planet where you were already heading.” Xandra sighed. “Jeez. Whoever claimed women are moody obviously never met you.”

A string of curses assaulted her ears before a large fist pounded a switch. The sound of metal scraping metal registered in her brain a moment before cold, hard shackles clamped her wrists and ankles to her seat. Tight.

“W-what are you doing?” She tugged and then tugged again, steel restraints biting into her skin. It was no use. She was immobile.

Darius remained silent.

She tried to lift her fingers to shock the metal and short the system, but there wasn’t enough room. Her throat dried. What now?

Autopilot button flicked on, he unstrapped himself and stood. Alarm raced down her spine. Why was he standing? There was no need for him to stand. Stay calm. Don’t panic. When he stopped in front of her and folded those massive arms across his chest her pulse didn’t understand calm. She looked up and gasped. Okay, now you can panic. An icy gray gaze squeezed her heart like a royal corset to her ribs.

Her fingers sought the knives sheathed at her wrists. No good. The shackles prevented access to them, too. What about magic? She chewed her lip. No. That’d only render him unconscious and she’d still be stuck in the chair.

“Give it up, Princess.” His cold tone frosted the air and tripped her heart. “You’re at my mercy now.”

Void of all emotion, the face of an outlaw stared down at her. She swallowed.

Had she misjudged him?

“That’s right, Princess, you should fear me.” He grasped her wrist restraints and leaned in.

Heart hammering, she shrank back, but not from fright. His scent and warmth washed over her, bringing her to life with a delicious shiver. Gray eyes narrowed. He missed nothing.

Darn her body for betraying her mind. It responded to his nearness like an animal in heat. What was wrong with her? The stranger could be about to kill her and all she could think about was pressing into his hard muscles.

She closed her eyes. If she hadn’t witnessed him softening when Braedon spoke of Halo, Xandra would’ve sworn Darius only cared about Darius. But he had softened. Her eyes flew open. He won’t harm me.

Hot breath tingled her face. She gripped the arms of the chair and stared, mesmerized. He was so virile, so dangerous, so...sexy. Awareness ripped through her, peaking her nipples while her underlace dampened. Never had she experienced such a physical rush. She was losing control…fast.

She could use her magic on him, but didn’t. She wanted to break eye contact, but couldn’t. After what seemed like an eternity, he looked away. That brought no relief. Her chest warmed under his gaze and nipples hardened further. She had to end this.

But when he looked up, all thoughts of stopping flew into space like dust off the second moon. Eyes no longer frosty blazed with desire and ravaged her face. No man had ever looked at her with so much hunger. Saliva pooled in her mouth.

He was going to kiss her.

Xandra’s last coherent thought was if this was a dream—Natalia had better not wake her.

A grunt rumbled from deep in his throat as his lips came down on hers, swallowing her moan and the last of her inhibitions.

This was no vision. This was real.

Hot and demanding, his kiss rocked her core. They didn’t know each other in life or their dreams, but the second their flesh met, they knew heat. She wanted more, needed more and opened up to him. He accepted the invitation by cupping her face and deepening the kiss with a thrust of his tongue. A delicious scorching consumed her mouth and the burning flowed through her body, stinging a path to her middle. Intense sensations ravaged, and when he tipped his head for a better angle, she nearly lost it. Dark, needy sounds filled the cabin as she journeyed through unchartered erotic territory.

Xandra trembled.

Pulled in—taken over, hot liquid replaced her blood, growing hotter the longer they kissed. Her fingers curled into fists and she yanked, longing to hold his face and return his kiss with equal fervor. But steel restraints bit into her wrists. She couldn’t break free.

Darius didn’t seem to mind. His grip tightened and delicious assault continued.

Want guided her actions. Leaning forward, Xandra plundered his scalding mouth and devoured his answering groan. Empowered, she swept her tongue over his and sucked him further inside. A hot-icy tingling besieged her body as she rode the flow of stinging lava.

But something was wrong. Pleasure swiftly turned to pain.

Head aching, ears ringing, she tried to pull away but couldn’t break the flow. Intense pricking gripped her body like a swarm of bees. She clutched the chair, about to cry out when Darius tore his mouth from hers, taking away the severe prickling.

The unbearable sting remained.

“Damn it!” His faint words filtered through her foggy mind. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

Small, panting breaths cooled her mouth and tender tongue.

“Here. Drink this.”

She hadn’t realized her shackles were gone until he thrust a glass into her hand. Dazed, she stared from the ash-colored liquid to his eyes, noting how similar in shade they were before he guided the cup to her lips. She drank greedily. The gray liquid neutralized her pain while cooling the fire in her veins.

“Are you all right?” He took the empty cup from her still trembling fingers.

Nodding, Xandra closed her eyes and sat with her head back, until breathing returned to normal. Never in her lifetime could she have imagined such a kiss. Extreme pleasure…and pain. She opened her eyes and noted Darius had moved further away. Not far enough to outdistance her curiosity. Her gaze narrowed. “What in the world was that?”

==================

Thanks for letting me share some of my sci-fi!

~Donna

Donna Michaels
Author of Romaginative Fiction
www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

And The Winners Are..

2008-12-11T07:53:00.004-05:00

Karen H & Judy!!!

That's right, I drew two names because of the great number of participants.

Congratulations, Karen and Judy!!!

Please email me at donna_ michaels @msn. com (minus the spaces) with your free PDF choice from my three Holiday releases:

THANKS FOR GIVING

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

VAMPIRE KRISTMAS

Click HERE to goto my website and view the blurb and an excerpt of each title.

I'd like to thank each and everyone who left a comment and helped make my 'BLOG RIDE' day special.

Best of luck to you all in the rest of the contest!!

Merry Christmas!

~Donna

MY CHRISTMAS RIDE BLOG ENTRY

2008-12-09T21:00:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas! You’ve reached the next stop on the Christmas Ride Blog Event! Hope you’re enjoying the trip so far. There are still a lot of sites to see, recipes to gather and goodies to win.

Today I’d like to share a simple dessert my children, Nick, Zach, Kyle and Jestina ask for every Christmas.

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Ingredients:

2 pkg instant chocolate pudding
1 already made graham cracker pie crust
Milk
Cool Whip
Hershey bar

Mix the milk and pudding as directed. Pour onto pie crust. Add the Cool Whip then shave the chocolate bar on top. Done. It takes longer to clean up then it does to make. lol

We also do up a banana pie. Just layer the bottom of the crust with cut bananas, add VANILLA pudding and top with Cool Whip. Chocolate shavings optional.

Mmm…my mouth is watering just thinking about eating chocolate by the Christmas tree. We have an artificial one that looks like a real fur tree, and this year, I bunched up the branches then placed wadded pieces of white garland on them to resemble clumps of snow. Looks nice. In my latest release, VAMPIRE KRISTMAS, the H & h literally fly to Montana to pick out their real tree in the deafening silence of falling snow.

Which brings me to my fun contest today. Just answer this question:

Do you have a real tree or an artificial one?

Leave a comment and I’ll draw a random winner for a digital download of one of my Holiday titles:

VAMPIRE KRISTMAS
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
THANKS FOR GIVING

I had a great time sharing with you today. Thanks for visiting! Be sure to pop back on Thursday to see if you won!

In case you need them, below are the CHRISTMAS RIDE CONTEST RULES!

Collect the songs to enter the grand prize drawing. One lucky person will win a $75 Wild Rose Press gift certificate! All you need to do to enter is attend each day's blog post, identify the carol, and make a complete carol list to submit after the final blog post of Christmas Eve. Don't forget to check the list twice!Send it to Christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight, CST Dec. 31st 2008!

Here is a hint to my Christmas song choice: (Title includes the name of one of my children, too.)

Well, way up North where the air gets cold
There's a tale about Christmas that you've all been told
And a real famous cat all dressed up in red
And he spends the whole year workin' out on his sled…

Good luck in the contest!! And if you missed stops or have gotten lost along the way, here are the past blogs where the ride has been spreading Christmas cheer!

Nov 29 PL Parker - http://plparker.blogspot.com/
Nov 30 Lynn Reynolds - http://lynnreynolds.blogspot.com/
Dec 1 WRP - http://thewildrosepress.blogspot.com/
Dec 2 Michele Hart - http://michelehart.blogspot.com/
Dec 3 2 today! - Teri Wilson - http://www.freewebs.com/teriwilson/terisblog.htm
Elaine Cantrell - http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/
Dec 4 Roni Adams - http://thewildrosepress.blogspot.com/
Dec 5 Stacy Dawn - http://www.stacydawn.blogspot.com/
Dec 6 Susanne Saville - http://myblog.susannesaville.com/
Dec 7 Beth Caudill - http://bethcaudill.blogspot.com/
Dec 8 Kyann Waters - http://kyannwaters.blogspot.com/
Dec 9 Meagan Hatfield - http://www.meaganhatfield.blogspot.com/

Your next stop on the Christmas Ride is:

Dec 11 C.H. Admirand - http://www.chadmirand.net/blog/

Thanks for your support. Have a happy and safe holiday!

VAMPIRE KRISTMAS Holiday Paranormal Released Today!!

2008-12-03T11:45:00.002-05:00

I'm so happy to be able to share my light paranormal holiday read. At only 32 pages and no blood spilling involved, VK is a unique heartwarming story and I'm proud to have meshed a vampire with Christmas. Hope you find some time in you crazy December rush to sit back and enjoy this quick read!

Vampire Kristmas

By Donna Michaels

Holiday Paranormal

32 pages $1.50

Buy at The Wild Rose Press

Read Reviews

=======================

Blurb

When vampire Jeremy Kristmas is awakened from his two century nap to trade places with his irresponsible twin—two weeks before Christmas, he discovers he has a fiancé who resembles his dead lover.

Pretending to love a cheating vampire is not on Lynette Stevens’ holiday to-do list, however, coming to her promiscuous cousin’s rescue, again is. But when she arrives at Kristmas Manor, Jeremy is different, more mature, handsome…crazy—insisting she’s his lost love.

Unable to deny the attraction, Lynette gives into her desire. But what if her cousin is Jeremy’s lost love? If so, who will he choose? His past love or new love? Join them to find out who has a Vampire Kristmas.

=======================

Excerpt

“We’ve missed you, Jeremy. It’s been so long, too long; decades. I hope you’re done trying to hide from the world.” His mother drew back to caress his bearded chin, then tugged his long black hair. “Fitz is standing by to groom you to fit into this century. I hope you don’t mind?”

“Of course not. That’ll be fine.” He forced a smile. The family barber could shave him completely bald for all he cared. He carried no desire to attract a mate. The loss of his last one still cut deep.

Cordelia. With her waist-length, wavy brown hair and blue eyes…

“Good to have you back, Son.” His father shook his hand, then pulled him into a back-slapping embrace.

“Thanks, Dad. Maybe you can tell me why it was so important I switch places with Jared? What was so urgent?”

His father stiffened, then slowly stepped back. Alarm squeezed Jeremy’s spine. He wasn’t going to like the answer. What had his brother done this time? Surely, it won’t involve jail, again. Lord knows he’d done enough time for his twin.

“Your brother has gotten himself into a bit of a…dilemma, and we all agreed the best course of action right now was for you two to switch places.” His dad walked over to the corner bar and poured a scotch. “Why don’t you get cleaned up and we’ll discuss this at further lengths over dinner.”

Longing to demand an answer, Jeremy noted his father’s closed expression and swallowed his protest. “Fine. I’ll be back soon.” Three strides carried him across the Sixteenth Century Persian rug, past Elizabethan chairs, settee and table—all purchased brand new centuries ago—and into a familiar hallway.

The Kristmas Mansion had barely changed since his last awakening. At least, what he’d seen so far. Wood paneled walls, crimson runners on mahogany floors, large windows overlooking the tropical grounds of their south pacific island. Somehow, they comforted; unlike the voice in his head, questioning his decision to visit the barber. Why bother when he planned to eject his brother from stasis once their parents revealed this century’s dilemma?

Glancing at the heavy framed portraits lining the wall, Jeremy momentarily forgot his injustice and gazed at Kristmas’s past. Some he recalled, others… His steps halted.

“How?” He blinked and resisted the impulse to rub his eyes.

“How is this possible?” Hardly daring to breath, he ran a finger down one of the smooth, shiny and eerily lifelike portraits of his family. “What kind of technology could produce such a marvel?” He leaned closer. “Incredible. Truly incredible.” Rubbing his beard, he made a mental note to ask his father.

Snippets of excitement perked his curiosity. What other breakthroughs awaited his discovery? Still scratching his beard, he glanced out the window.

Air burst into his lungs at a painful speed, while his legs grew increasingly numb. It can’t be. His fingers curled around the aged casing for support.

Cordelia…

=======================

Thanks for reading,

~Donna

www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

FATED HEARTS, the first novel I finished is released today!

2008-08-22T11:12:00.003-05:00

My first attempt at writing--after all four of my children attended school all day--is released today!!

Fated Hearts was written for Harlequin and rejected by Harlequin but very nicely and I was encouraged to keep writing.

That was six years ago, and I'm happy to say this story is MUCH better now and it's a dream to be able to share FH with the world.

Fated Hearts
By Donna Michaels
Novel/Spicy
From The Wild Rose Press
ISBN 1-60154-300-X
E-Book Rel 8/22/08
Print Rel 2/20/09
View Trailer
Purchase

=======================

BLURB

Thanks to fate, Jordan Mitchell-Ryan’s heart is tattered. Having kept her from the man she thought she’d always marry, the same fickle fate took away the man she eventually did. Thrown back into the path of her fist love, she finds hers is not the only heart fate has damaged.

Widower and software CEO, Cole McCall fills his days with computer codes and working the family ranch. When his visiting former neighbor sets out to delete the firewall around his heart, he discovers there’s no protection against the Jordan virus. Though she understands his pain and reawakens his soul, will it be enough for Cole to overcome his past and embrace their fated hearts?

=======================

EXCERPT

“Wait up, Cole. I’ll walk with you.”

Broad shoulders rose and fell but stopped at the door and waited while she said her goodnights.

“Thanks,” she told him as they began their ascent upstairs. Worried about his pallor and the fatigue slumping his shoulders, she put her hand on his arm when they reached the top. “What are you trying to do? Work yourself to death?”

“Drop it, Jordan.” He yanked his arm out of her grasp. “I’m not in the mood.”

She brushed his irritation aside and searched his face. “You have to stop doing this to yourself, Cole. You need to slow down.”

“And you need to mind your own damned business.”

She ignored him. “There’s more to life than just work. What happened to that mischievous boy I knew?”

“He died.”

Her hissed breath echoed down the hall. “Cole McCall! That’s a horrible thing to say and I refuse to believe it.” She gripped his shoulders, hard. “He’s still in there and I’m going to find him. And when I do…I’m going to kick his ass for letting you take over.”

“There’s nothing wrong with me, Jordan,” he scoffed. “I grew up. You should try it.”

She released him and laughed. “Yeah, you sure got me pegged, McCall. I’m very immature and not responsible at all.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled. “Maybe you are as far as work is concerned, but you need to stop trying to change me, Jordan.” He dropped his hand and his gaze bore into hers, flashing a silent warning.

She hated warnings.

“No.”

“What do you mean no?”

“Just what I said. I won’t stop trying to change you because I don’t particularly like you. I want you gone and the old Cole back.”

He grasped her upper arms and sneered. “Too damn bad. This is who I am now. The old Cole might’ve put up with your antics but I won’t.”

Her heart raced out of control. Damn, his hands were strong…and big. They covered most of her upper arms. She drew in a breath. Not smart, her mind screamed while her nose rejoiced. Mmm…Was that fresh scent soap or body wash? Desire flooded her fluttering stomach and pooled between her legs with a sudden vision of Cole lathered and wet.

“Did you hear me, Jordan? I won’t put up with your nonsense.”

He increased the pressure on her arms, and the warmth amplified between her thighs.

Whoa. Back the reaction train up. I’m not the one who needs to feel.

She straightened her spine. “Oh no? Well, I’m not going to stop just because you tell me to, Cole. You’re way over due for an emotional overhaul and reality check. So, what are you going to do about it, Mr. Personality?”

“This.” He pinned her against the wall and pressed into her with his body.
Sensations—hot and frenzied, scorched a path to her core. The resulting shudder had her dazed, wide eyes staring up at him.

Triumph gleamed in his darkened gaze.

He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Apparently, you like me after all, Jordan.”

Anger erupted and cancelled her yearnings.

She pushed out of his hold. “Don’t try to turn this all around and put the focus on me, pal. It won’t work. I’m not one of your unsuspecting victims. But, you’re right. There is something about you I like. Your body. Or should I say Cole’s body,” she corrected, looking him up and down. “It’s grown up quite nice. But I still don’t like you.” Pivoting on her heel, she drew in a steadying breath and walked as nonchalantly as she could to her room.

His deep chuckle echoed down the hall and rumbled through her like a Southern California tremor. It was great to hear genuine amusement from him…although she could’ve done without the Me thinks she doth protest too much remark uttered with it.

Damn sexy Texan. Okay, so I’m not as immune to him as I’d hoped. That changes nothing. Shivers covered her skin. She ignored them.

Jordan Mitchell-Ryan never failed a case and Operation Heal McCall would be no exception.

=======================

Thanks for reading,

Donna Michaels
Author of Romaginative Fiction
www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

Hero...inspiration...

2008-07-24T09:26:00.001-05:00

Wild Rose Press Editor Guest Blogging Today!

2008-06-26T06:22:00.004-05:00

Ever wonder what an editor looks for in a story?

Well here's your chance to get the inside scoop with one of the Yellow Rose editors from The Wild Rose Press, Stacy D. Holmes, Senior Editor of the contemporary cowboy line. Yeehaw!

I had the pleasure of working with Stacy on two Yellow Rose stories:

Ten Things I'd Do For A Cowboy - an LASR Best E-Book Short Romance 2007 Nominee

Fated Hearts (e-rel 8/22/08 Print 2/20/09) which just received a NOR Reviewer Top Pick

Thanks for helping me achieve them, Stacy!

So if you're interested in writing contemporary westerns (cowboys), check out what Stacy has to say:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What draws us to a Cowboy?

Cowboys are one of the original Alpha males. They are hard, solitary, driven by the law of the land, rugged, strong, and mysterious. Whew....sorry, hot from just thinking about them LOL.

But! Not all cowboys are Alpha—and that’s what I love about the modern day westerns. Beta cowboys, those hunky ranch-hands, good ol’ boy neighbors and smiling, Stetson wearing two-steppers are just as big and adding a wonderful variety to cowboy stories these days.

In the Yellow Rose Line of the Wild Rose Press (http://www.thewildrosepress.com/) we look for both of these heroes....and the women strong enough to corral their hearts. First and foremost, we want a good story with a strong romance.

Fresh ideas with interesting plots will capture our attention as well as good solid writing. From an editor’s point of view, I can’t express enough how important it is to have someone else look over your work and proof it for the simple things like spelling and grammar. The story could be great but may be hard to find amongst a poorly proofed manuscript.

Along with regular submission, we also have a special series that took off like a freshly branded bull! Wayback, Texas is a small town that hosts a rodeo every Saturday night and we’ve invited authors to write about the characters in this town. We’ve had some fantastic stories released already and a wonderful response—so much so that we had to create its own home at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/waybacktexas/ so that we could list the details of the town for easy access to potential authors of this series. If you want to write for this series, the best thing to do is join this loop and then read the available stories to really get a feel for the town.

One of the unique things about The Wild Rose Press is that we offer short stories. Those short enough to read over a lunchtime break to those that only take an afternoon in the sunshine. Personally, I would love to see more short story submission here in the Yellow Rose line along with the longer pieces.

Best of all, if you’ve ever wanted to sample a cowboy...er a cowboy story LOL, we have a Free Read available right now on our website at The Wild Rose Press. Marry Me, Cowboy, is a fun little story that you can get...FOR FREE! Free cowboys....could there be anything better?

Click HERE to download for Free!

While you're there, check out the other wonderful Free Reads and great stories from the terrific authors at The Wild Rose Press!

Thank you so much Donna for letting me share your blog today! If anyone has any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll be popping back to answer them for you!

Stacy D. Holmes, Senior Editor, Yellow Rose, The Wild Rose Press

Check out my FREE READ with The Wild Rose Press

2008-06-18T07:08:00.006-05:00

Would you like to sample my writing? Are you new to E-books? See how painless they are and start your cyber bookshelf with my Free Read today!

Wayback When
by Donna Michaels

Way back when Kaydee Harper was young she fell for Jensen Ballard but he treated her like a kid sister. Now, years later, Jensen’s in Wayback for the local rodeo. Can the bull rider resist the stubborn cowgirl or will she bring him to his knees in under eight seconds?

(Wayback When is a little glimpse into TWRP's terrific Rodeo Cowboy Series set in Wayback Texas. Like cowboys? Then check out the wonderful stories in the Wayback Series at TWRP!)

Click HERE to download WAYBACK WHEN for free...right Now!!

Afterwards, have fun browsing the many romance genres and lengths at The Wild Rose Press. There are a lot of wonderful books from myself and fellow WRP Authors to stock your new cyber shelves. Let us keep you in the read.

And remember, Save a Tree--Read an E-book!

Please feel free to drop me a note at donna_michaels @ msn. com (minus the spaces) and let me know what you think of Wayback When. I'd love to hear from you anytime!

Thanks, and Happy Reading!!

~Donna Michaels

MY FIRST PRINT RELEASE!!

2008-03-14T10:35:00.001-05:00

Meet Your Mate

By Donna Michaels

220 Pages Spicy

ISBN 1-60154-148-1

Buy Link for The Wild Rose Press

Buy Link for Fictionwise

Buy Link for Amazon

Buy Link for Barnes & Noble

Read Reviews

View Trailer

BLURB

Ex-Army Ranger Capt. Jack ‘Dodger’ Anderson would rather run naked through a minefield in the Afghan desert than participate in a reality television show, but when his brother Matthew begins to receive threats, Jack quickly becomes Matthew’s shadow. As if the investigation isn’t baffling enough, he has to contend with the addition of a beautiful and vaguely familiar new contestant.

Security specialist, Brielle Chapman reluctantly agrees to help her uncle by going undercover as a contestant on the Meet Your Mate reality show. Having nearly failed on a similar assignment, she wants to prove she still has a future in this business. But when the brother of the groom turns out to be Dodger, the object of her secret desire from an embarrassing prior undercover case, her job becomes harder. Does he recognize her? And how can she investigate with their sizzling attraction fogging her brain? Determined to finish the job, she brings the case to a surprising climax, uncovers the culprit and meets her own mate.

*********

Thanks for reading.

In honor of this print release, I'm holding a fun contest involving pictures of my Heroes being match to pictures of my Heroines. Click HERE for all the details and to view the prize: Genuine Garnet Necklace and matching Earring.

Donna Michaels

Author of Romaginative Fiction
www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

Multi-Author Contest: WISHING FOR A SPRING ROUND-UP

2008-03-03T11:29:00.001-05:00

A hint of spring is in the air. In horsey circles, spring means it's time to kick up our heels and celebrate life. In keeping with the season, we've rounded-up thirteen authors with horses in their books. The Wishing for Spring Round Up is all about great books, romance, and horses. Come and celebrate spring with these authors and win free books.

To enter –
The list of questions is posted at each participating author’s website. Contestants must visit every website to find an answer to a question. Compile your list of answers in an email to contest@juliannastephens.com. The contest opens on March 1 and closes on March 16. Winners will be notified via email by March 20. One entry per contestant.

The prizes –
Each author will donate either a download or a print copy of her book. For print books, a snail mail address will be required. Winners will be randomly chosen from entries with the correct answers.

Enter today and win!

Here’s a sneak peek at my question:

What's the name of the ranch where wild mustangs transition in TEN THINGS I'D DO FOR A COWBOY?

Here's the Contest Link for the full details:

http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/springroundupcontest.htm

Good luck!!

Donna Michaels
Author of Romaginative Fiction
www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

VALENTINE'S DAY DO-OVER PART II: THE SIBIINGS is Released!!

2008-02-06T15:19:00.000-05:00

Round 2 for Eros has begun! And he thought last year was bad...

Valentine’s Day Do-Over Part II: The Siblings
by Donna Michaels
85 Pages-Spicy
$3.00
Available at The Wild Rose Press

Blurb

Eros, God of Love, thought bringing soul mates Ivy Valentine and Roman Hartt together last year was tough, until he met their siblings: Mia and Race.

Forced to suffer the same do-over fate his younger brother endured last Valentine’s Day, Racine Hartt must share the holiday madness with his worst nightmare—his beautiful superior, Major Mia Valentine.

Mia doesn’t have time for irresponsible men in her life and is not happy to discover she’s stuck in a repeat Valentine’s Day with the handsome, yet chauvinistic Captain Racine Hartt. With her sister’s wedding day in jeopardy of never arriving, Mia looks for someone else, anyone else other than the sexy Captain to fill the slot.

How many days will it take this military minded couple to look past their preconceived notions and see into each other’s hearts? Can Eros accomplish this miracle? Or will the world repeat Valentine’s Day forever?

Excerpt(First 2 and 1/2 pages)

“If I hear hon or sweetheart one more time, I swear I’m gonna choke down a grenade and spit out the pin!” Race Hartt had a headache and knew he was about to make it worse. He didn’t care. He had to get out of there.

Deliberately head-butting the swinging kitchen door, he winced against the added pain but continued to stomp through his mother’s kitchen and family room before he found solitude outside on her deck.

Pacing the ten-by-ten wooden floor, he sucked in deep, calming breaths. How could his family expect him to endure two days of this lovey-dovey crap? I can’t do it. Exhaling the rose- scented air brewing from his mother’s abundant garden, he reached for the phone hooked on his belt.

He’d already served two tours in Iraq, but surely his Commanding Officer could find another conflict and deploy him. Anything had to be better than this torture. Okay, technically he couldn’t just pick up on a moment’s notice; he wasn’t part of the quick strike Brigade, but maybe his C.O. could assign some sort of task important enough to get him out of this pre-wedding/wedding crap.

A school. Or no, wait! He was Army Supply. He could travel to one of the armories up north for equipment.

“Where the hell’s…” He frowned at his empty belt loop. “My phone?”

“Racine Hartt!”

Raquel Hartt’s pretty features darkened as she stepped outside and shut the French door. Spine stiffer than her mouth- uh oh - she meant business.

“You get back inside and be nice to your brother and his future family.”

“Aw, Ma! Do you have to call me that? You make me sound like I just ran five clicks uphill in full gear.” He grimaced. No one but his mother got away with calling him his full name without receiving a special five-knuckled kiss. Well, her, his C.O. and superior officers, of course.

Her expression softened.

“But I love your name. Why, your father, God rest his soul, his heart was racing the night we—”

“Mom!” His hand flew up, palm vertical. The jerking movement intensified his nauseated stomach and throbbing head. He masked the accompanying wince behind a grimace and firm tone. “Do not finish that sentence. My stomach is already queasy from Mr. Softie and his merry Valentines giggling and laughing like girls in there.” He pivoted around to grip the railing and drew in more rose-scented air.

“Race, honey.” His mother joined him and cupped his shoulder. “Most of them are girls, except for your dad’s brother, Uncle Max, and Ivy’s two uncles.”

“Whatever.” He continued to grumble.

Mostly because she was right. The handful of cousins and aunts from both sides really weren’t bad. On a good day, he’d have no trouble suffering their company, but today wasn’t a good day.

He’d stayed out until dawn entertaining the dancer he’d hired to perform at his brother’s bachelor party last night. When it was obvious Rome wanted nothing extra from the pretty blonde, Race hated to see a good dancer go to waste, so he took her home—literally.

His less-than-stellar mood was a direct result of being forced to come here at the God-awful hour of eleven in the morning for some sort of brunch. A chore very taxing on his barely recovered body, not to mentionon his brain.

Just what was brunch anyway? An excuse to combine two meals? This was not how he wanted to spend his Valentine’s Day. And that was another thing…

“Ma.” He twisted until his hip rested against the rail. “If today is Valentine’s Day, one year since Rome and Ivy met, why didn’t they want their wedding today? Rome’s so mushy, I would’ve thought V-day would’ve been a shoe-in. Why tomorrow?”

“They said it was because February fifteenth was technically the start of their new life together. Works out great for the HarttBeat Foundation’s Annual Valentine’s Day Masquerade, though. We’re able to include the rehearsal dinner.” She glanced at her watch. “Which starts in less than seven hours.”

After his dad died, his mother started HarttBeats Foundation, a charity targeting heart disease. Every year they held a successful costumed charity ball. Although proud of his mom, Race wasn’t a fan of Valentine’s Day activities or the highly overrated holiday.

He straightened as a thought occurred. “Do you need help setting up? I can run there right now.”

She laughed and patted his chest. “Wow, such eagerness. Where was that attitude last year? I had to practically pull your teeth to get you to help out.”

“Well, I didn’t have an afternoon filled with females gushing and giggling over chiffon organs and Andy Hardy shoes looming over my head”

She laughed harder.

What’d I say?

“Its chiffon organza and Pierre Hardy,” she explained.

“Isn’t that what I said?”

“No.” She giggled.

“Whatever. So do you need my help? Can I go to the Masquerade early, Mom? Please?” He purposefully widened his eyes and blinked.

“Yes, you can go with me. No need to flash those baby blues, you rogue.”

“Thanks, mom.” He bent down and kissed her cheek.

“Now come on back inside. The Valentines are nice people. And you haven’t even met Ivy’s sister yet. Mia should be here any minute. She’s lovely, Race. You should’ve shown up at the planning sessions. After all, you’re going to be standing up with this girl. I would’ve thought you’d at least like to meet her first.”

“Nah.” Not if she’s anything like the Major Valentine who’d transferred to the depot two months back. He’d rather be flogged and boiled in oil. Overexposure to that type of frozen female could cause frostbite—and he liked his extremities.

*****************

Thanks for reading. Click HERE to and scroll down for details on the Two Part VDDO Part II Contest.

Donna Michaels
Author of Romaginative Fiction
http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

MEET YOUR MATE is released!!

2008-01-18T10:54:00.000-05:00

Hurray! Part one of my long awaited dream of being an author has begun!!!

My first full length novel has been e-released today!!! (Part two will take place in March when the print novel is in my eager little hands!!!) Not that I haven't enjoyed writing short stories or any of their releases! I shall continue to write all types and sizes of romances! It's just as important to me as breathing.

Meet Your Mate

By Donna Michaels

220 Pages Spicy

$5.00

E-Book Available Now

at The Wild Rose Press

Print Release 3/14/08

View Trailer

BLURB

Ex-Army Ranger Capt. Jack 'Dodger' Anderson would rather run naked through a minefield in the Afghan desert than participate in a reality television show, but when his brother Matthew begins to receive threats, Jack quickly becomes Matthew's shadow. As if the investigation isn't baffling enough, he has to contend with the addition of a beautiful and vaguely familiar new contestant.

EXCERPT

"Why exactly did you come on this show, Ms. Bennett?" He stepped in front of her, his presence demanding she look at him.

Glancing up, she shrugged and tried to keep some truth in their conversation. "I wanted to meet your brother."

"What for?"

"To learn origami." She smirked, lifting her hands. "Why do you think?"

His gaze narrowed. He wasn't amused.

She sighed. "Look, I know I can make your brother happy. Isn't that what matters?"

"How?"

"What do you mean, how?"

He placed his hands on either side of her on the desk and leaned in. "By kissing him the minute you two were alone?"

She blinked. "You saw that? Well, you're not very observant for—" Brielle stopped before she gave herself away.

"For what?" His finger traced her jaw. "A man? That's right, Ms. Bennett. I am a man. Maybe you'd like to kiss me too?"

Oh, you've no idea!

*****************

Thanks for reading.

Click Here for detail of my Meet Your Mate Special Release Contest.

Donna Michaels

Author of Romaginative Fiction

www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

THE TRUTH is out there!! New Release Today!

2008-01-16T10:49:00.000-05:00

The Truth About Daydreams

By Donna Michaels
14 pages—Sweet
$1.50
Available at The Wild Rose Press

Blurb

I, Lexi Harper, college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Network Cyber Security, used to have a sound mind, until I returned to my hometown of Fodders Creek and attended the Malloy’s cookout. Eagerly looking forward to greet as an adult, Brad Malloy, the man of my daydreams…which still persist to this day—I hadn’t counted on his younger brother, Sammy, my childhood partner in crime, to have transformed into a super hero hunk capable of attracting my signal.

Did I waste all those years Brad-worshiping when I should’ve noticed my best friend? I realized the answer the moment I discovered the truth about daydreams.

Excerpt

“Oh, Lexi…you’re my world, my love, my life,” Brad said, his lips on my neck nuzzling a path to my ear.

Goosebumps raced down my body in search of my toes. I’d waited a decade to hear Brad Malloy profess his love and hardly believed his acknowledgement was finally happening.

Firm lips heated a trail along my jaw, and my heart beat faster the nearer his lips moved toward my mouth. The kiss I’d longed for…hoped for…ached for. His mouth inched closer…closer…

“Lexi?”

No! I groaned as Brad and his full, tender lips faded away, replaced by my assistant’s wrinkled forehead.

“Lexi. You’re wanted on line one.”

**********

Thanks for reading,

Donna Michaels

Best Short e-Book Nomination at LASR

2008-01-02T07:40:00.000-05:00

Click HERE to vote!

I'm thrilled to announce my short story, "Ten Things I'd Do for a Cowboy" was nominated for Best E-Book Short Romance at The Long and Short of It.

Thank you to those who nominated me. I feel like a winner already.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T08:19:00.001-05:00

Free Comments & Graphics

DR. GNOME is on the loose!!!

2007-12-13T10:50:00.001-05:00

Dr. Gnome
By Donna Michaels
139 Pages-Hot
$4.99
Available now at Forbidden Publications
View the Trailer

Blurb

What’s the world to do when gold starts disappearing and the agents assigned to the case are turned into life-size lawn ornaments?

Send in Double O Fang Agent Pierce De Vein, and Shifter Intelligence Agent (SIA) Kitty Katt to investigate. Unhappy with their forced alliance, each loner must learn to work with a partner and stop trying to outdo one another long enough to solve the case. When the evidence points to an evil gnome and his army of rogue leprechauns, the agents infiltrate the organization in the forms of a bat and a cat.

Will their plan work, or will they end up sleeping with the daisies as a pair of garden decorations?

Excerpt

“Let me do the talking.” He got out and slammed his car door without waiting for her reply.

“Now, why would I do that?” His pain-in-the-fang partner stared at him from across the hood, one finely arched brow raised as if in flight.

Suppressing a growl, he rounded the bumper and stepped onto the sidewalk. “Because, these are my people and I said so.” Fists clenched, he reminded himself the supercilious woman falling into step wouldn’t be around much longer.

Known as the Dirty Harry of P.L.A.S.M.A, he never kept a partner long—they either died or defected to the other side.

“Your people?” She snorted for a few steps, then stopped.

He glanced at her slackened body.

Overcome, she laughed so hard tears rolled down her heart-shaped face and dripped into the peek of her exposed cleavage. His groin tightened. Had the drop traveled the whole valley? He ripped his gaze away. This was no time to be aroused. Ignoring his libido, he stomped toward the bar. She wasn’t even his type. Hell, she wasn’t even human.

Neither was he, but that wasn’t the point.

Her laughter followed him down the street like a disco tune—painful to his ears.

That’s it! He flew to her side in less than half a second. Wind from his hastening blew his hair into her face. “Yes, my people. Do you have a problem with that, Ms. Katt?”

She didn’t flinch—didn’t blink. “I just can’t picture you having people. Who do you think you are, friggin’ Lord of the Fangs?” Amusement burst into her eyes, turning them a brilliant green. She slumped back against the closed pawn shop, the metal security door creaking under her shuddering weight.

“Great. I’m partnered with the feline version of Don Rickles.” He stared up at the stars. A lot of work needed to be done and he was losing the night sky. His gaze bounced to the snickering woman. “This is good. This is very helpful. Yeah, you stay here and laugh.” Muttering a curse, he shook his head and proceeded to the pub without her. Even if she didn’t last long, you’d think P.L.A.S.M.A would’ve given him someone more useful than Chuckles the Cat.

********

Thanks for reading,

Donna Michaels
http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

HOLIDAY SPIRIT--Released Today!

2007-12-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

Holiday Spirit
by Donna Michaels
20 pages-Sweet
$1.50
Available now at The Wild Rose Press

Blurb

Every year, during the winter solstice, a door is opened for ghosts to move on. And every year, Lucius Beamount and his ghost wife, Hattie Mae, pass up the opportunity in order to help mankind. This year is no exception. Jeff Grayson and his wife Carolyn need to be reunited for a very special reason. The bumbling fun begins when Jeff leaves L.A. to fly home to surprise his wife—who's on a plane bound for California to surprise him. Little do they know they're about to encounter some Holiday Spirit.

Excerpt

“You’d better get back to Jeff. How are you going to get him to L. A.?”

“I don’t know. It’ll take a Christmas miracle. You got any?”

Hattie reached across a sleeping Carolyn to place her hand over his. “That’s not my department. But I have faith in you.”

“Glad somebody does.”

“Now, Lucius, don’t start feeling sorry for yourself. You have to help that boy. Why don’t you try to assist him at the counter?”

“Oh, Ma, you don’t mean…?”

“Yes, I do. Possession.”

“Maybe you have lost your senses. I’ve kept you grounded for too long, Ma. I’m sorry.” He squeezed her hand.

“Oh now, stop talking nonsense. I haven’t lost my senses. I just happen to believe you won’t repeat that last incident. You’ve been practicing and I’m sure you’ll have better control of your motor skills.”

**********
Thanks for reading,

Donna Michaels
www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

Celebrate my First Anniversary of being published!!

2007-12-03T10:11:00.000-05:00

Just read the Dr. Gnome excerpt page and answer this question:

How many streetlights did Pierce count?

Send your answer to donna_michaels@msn.com with 1st Anniversary in the subject line.
One winner will be chosen at random to receive the bound copy of Dr. Gnome plus a few surprise goodies, and I'll draw two runner's up to receive a free PDF version.

Contest runs from December 1st to December 30th. Winners will be drawn on December 31st and announced here on the website as well as notified through email.

Good luck and thank you for a memorable year!!

What's The Name of That Christmas Carol? Multi-Author Scavenger Hunt Contest!!

2007-11-19T10:34:00.000-05:00

Put a little ho-ho-ho into your holidays by playing
WHAT'S THE NAME OF THAT CHRISTMAS CAROL?
Contest runs from Nov 15-Dec 24

Certain to trigger fond memories, this scavenger hunt may also bring you and your loved ones together in the grand game of carol identification, and land you one of our 21 prizes. That's right, 14 authors and 21 prizes! You don't have to be perfect in guessing, but naming them all right will get you entered into our final grand prize drawing—making it a chance at 22 prizes.

Here's what you need to do to enter:

1.) Just visit each of the authors' websites & find the line from that author's chosen carol. If you end up somewhere other than the author's contest page, just look for their contest page link, there'll be one. Start with mine: Donna Michaels then follow the other author links from my site.

2.) Make a list of the author's name and the carol's title. And make certain to check it twice!

3.) E-mail your list to happyendings2007@aol.com by midnight CST on Christmas Eve.Prizes will be awarded by Jan. 1, 2008--due to the craziness of the holidays. Please do not worry we have forgotten. Good luck and thanks for playing!

MAYHEM MINIS Released Today!!!

2007-10-25T07:49:00.001-05:00

Forbidden Publications released my Anthology today!!! Mayhem Minis is a collection of three Short Romantic Tales of three different sub genres; One Comedy, One Contemp & One Adventure.

Below is the purchase info, blurbs and a quick excerpt to each story. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!

Mayhem Minis
by Donna Michaels
Anthology/Sensual
26 Pages
Available at Forbidden Publications

Blurbs:

Hunk Slave – Blurb

What’s Christine Conrad to do when her best friend drags her to a charity bachelor auction? Fall for a hunk-slave, of course.

Soul Survivor – Blurb

After investing nearly a decade in tracking down, and delivering justice to her parents’ killer, FBI Agent Leah Wilson must face a scary thought: What is she supposed to do now? Her former superior, Jason Hathaway, shows up at her parents’ grave to offer support…and an answer.

Neptune’s Gift – Blurb

Deciphering Neptune’s scroll brings archeologist Dr. Laurel Adams face to face with the deity and a whole tomb-load of danger. Locked inside with carnivorous creatures, it’s up to her fiancé Carter Jackson, the expedition leader, to guide her and her team to safety. But will they all survive?

Excerpts:

Hunk Slave – Excerpt

“I can’t believe I let you drag me here. I must’ve been crazy.” Christine Conrad shook her head, bouncing a brown curl into her face as she maneuvered through the crowded hotel lobby.

Dressed to impress, women of all ages, shapes and sizes littered the establishment, eager for the charity auction to begin. The event’s big, glossy poster caught her eye. Help a Child. Buy a Hunk.

“I don’t know what’s crazier—me not having a date in weeks, or you sitting at home reading Macbeth to your cats.” Scowling, her friend Taylor Grant pushed through the crowd.

“It’s not my fault they hate Hamlet.”

Her friend glanced sideways at her. “Why do I bother?”

“Exactly. If I leave now, I can finish reading Act II to them tonight.” She eyed the exit and cursed herself for allowing her friend to talk her into wearing a pair of black, do-me heels. She’d probably break both her ankles before she reached the door.

As if sensing her need to flee, Taylor grabbed her hand. “Oh no you don’t. You’re here to help me buy a hunk-slave.”

She reeled back. “Hunk-slave?”

Her redheaded friend grinned. “Yep. I’m here to get me a good-looking man to do what I wish.”

“Boy, do I feel sorry for the guy you win.”

“Don’t be. I can promise you he’ll be smiling by the time the date is over.” Devilment gleamed from her friend’s gaze. “You know, Chrissie, since you’re here, you might as well have some fun too. Why don’t you bid?”

She snorted. My friend has lost her mind! “Me? Own a hunk-slave? Ah, no thanks. I like my dates willing.”

Soul Survivor — Excerpt

“It’s over, Mom and Dad.” Fragile lilac branches quivered under the pressure of Leah Wilson’s grip and bit into the soft flesh of her palm. The fragrant blossoms became a purple blur as she knelt in the soft grass, still wet with morning dew. “I did it. He’s behind bars where he belongs.”

Half elated, half devastated, she placed the flowers on the graves and allowed tears to fall freely for the first time in years. Lovingly tracing their names, her fingers slid into the groves of the cold, granite surface.

Judge William Connolly and Beloved Wife Katherine Connolly.

She shivered. A name was missing. Hers.

Why? Why couldn’t I have been murdered, too?

Shoulders trembling, she gazed unseeing at the green strands of earth protruding from her grip. “I should’ve been with you when the car exploded, not away on some high school field trip.” Fist shaking, she ripped out a clump of grass.

Why have I been left to survive on my own?

Neptune’s Gift – Excerpt

“Hudson, Phillips, come with me. Everyone else wait here with Laurel and the professor.”

As he stepped into the chamber and possible danger, her heartbeat quickened. None of her discoveries mattered without him.

“Are you seeing this?” the professor whispered.

Oblivious, the room and all its possessions took second fiddle as her eyes remained on her walking treasure. Heart pounding, senses on alert, she willed things to go smooth.

Carter inched around the room, lighting wall torches while checking for booby traps and unseen perils. Finally, in what seemed like hours, he returned.

“Okay. It’s safe.

Professor Weston’s whoop of joy drowned out her sigh of relief. With the danger dispelled, excitement replaced worry, and eager to devour the history teeming before her, she stepped inside and gasped.

SUPERNATURAL SEASON THREE OPENER

2007-10-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

The Magnificent Seven

What can I say? I enjoyed it.

The events were believable, the new and old characters worked well, and although I wasn't used to seeing a happy Dean, I understand why he would act that way.

I had my usual laughs; Dean's remark about the movie "Seven" had me snorting, despite how off-color it was...hehe And I especially loved how Sam wanted Dean's knife so he could gauge his eyes out after having walked in on Dean with the twins. ROFL

Once again, the special effects were top knotch! The dehydrated family on the couch was very impressive. Kuddos to their FX team!

WoohhOOOooo to Ruby! I am very pleased with how they've written in her character so far. Love her special blade! I can't wait to learn more about her and where she came upon that weapon. Too cool!

And Sam wanting to goto Louisianna to meet up with someone who might be able to help Dean with his curse was right on. Dean confessing the contingency to his curse--Sam will die if Dean tries to break it--made this viewer very happy. Great job, Eric.

I was relieved to see they're keeping them all in character. I get so worried they may slip. Although, I sure hope Dean snaps out of his happy soon, and gets back to his edge. I love him edgy.

How about you? What are your thoughts? Did you like the episode? If so, why? If not, why? I'd love to know.

K...I read on one of the Supernatural sites about next week's episode. I will NOT miss that one. I'm already chomping at the bit!

Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading.

Donna Michaels

http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

SUPERNATURAL SEASON 3 Starts Tonight-What Are Your Thoughts?

2007-10-04T08:14:00.000-05:00

It’s here! It’s finally here! Season 3 of the hit CW Series, Supernatural.

Two years ago, I was working part time cleaning a private school in the evenings and I can remember coming home, tired and sore, needing time to unwind when I stumbled across a gem of show on it’s original timeslot, Tuesday nights. It was new, about two brothers, looking for their dad, as well as the demon that killed their mother and tried to take the younger brother when he was only 6 months old.

Okay, I was intrigued. I love the paranormal, so I watched the pilot.

Holy Impalas! What a show. There was no fluff; no stereo-typical scares or costumes; no mediocre acting. This show had possibilities.

Let’s start with the acting.

Jensen Ackles, who portrays the older brother, Dean Winchester—NAILED that character. He plays the rough-around-the-edges brother, forced to hunt the supernatural and take care of his brother at a young age. He’s strong, kick-ass, uncouth, sarcastic, witty, sexy, shows a touch of vulnerability here and there, and the attitude? Wow. There’s almost no gray areas with Dean. It’s black and white. “If it’s supernatural, we kill it.” Of course, just as there is in real life, Dean discovers there are always gray areas, like in ‘Bloodlust,’ one of the vampire episodes. Jensen embraces this character and makes him so believable I sometimes forget Dean is not real. Jensen is that good.

Jared Padelcki, who portrays the younger brother, Sam Winchester, is perfect for the role. He plays the Stanford drop-out who’s girlfriend was murdered by the same demon that killed his mother and tried to take him as a child. He’s strong, yet vulnerable, compassionate, smart, tall-at 6’4”, more up-to-date with the times, and scared he’ll turn evil because the demon has plans for him. Jared has a playground of emotions to work with here, and he works them well.

As you can tell, I love Sam and Dean, I love the music, the incredible car but the real reason I continued to tune in to the CW on Thursday nights at 9PM, is because of Eric Kripke and his crack writing team! As an author, I find it hard to watch a show without dissecting it, wanting to change things, make comments like: “They should’ve done this…or that’s not possible…not real.” I’ve NEVER ever said that after a single episode of Supernatural. THAT makes the show a clear winner in my book.

Do I own Season One and Two boxed sets? You bet! I’m lucky enough to have a birthday in October, so for two years now, I’ve purchased the DVD sets and TOLD my husband and kids they’re giving me that for my present. LOL. Works well. Two of my four children are faithful watcher of the show, anyway. As a matter of fact, one of my twins is dressing up as Sam Winchester for Halloween and his friend, Will is dressing up as Dean. Should be interesting.

Episodes. What are your favorites?

I have many but if I must narrow it down, then in Season One, I have three: “Faith”-What happens when you stop someone from dying who’s meant to die? An innocent takes your place. Brilliant! “Home”-The boys come face to face with their dead mother. Sniff. Yes, I cried. And “Hellhouse”-By far the funniest dang episode to date. My kids and I still go around saying… “Who ya gonna call?” Man, too funny. I hope those amateur ghost hunters show up on another episode.

In Season Two, all the episodes rocked, but if I must narrow it down, then I have two: “What Is, And What Should Never Be”- Dean encounters a Djinn and has the chance to live out his days as if the demon never happened. Thought-provoking episode. Oh, yeah. I cried. That was such a tough choice. I’ve no idea what I would’ve done in Dean’s shoes. And “Heart” –The boys encounter another ‘gray area’ when they try to cure an innocent girl who was bitten by a werewolf. Powerful episode.

Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the start of Season Three tonight. I sure hope Eric and his team can keep up the tight writing! They’re adding two female characters this season: Ruby—a very capable hunter who will be introduced on tonight’s premiere episode. And Bella, who hunts, but I think is ruled by a ‘higher’ power…and is searching for something. She debuts in two weeks, I believe. Those characters will have reoccurring roles and they sound interesting enough for me to give them a chance.

What are your thoughts? I’d love to know what you think. Which episode was your favorite and why? Who’s your favorite character? Please leave a comment and don’t forget to spread the word about the wonderful world of Winchester!

If you’re interested in keeping Supernatural alive and making sure it doesn’t die like “Dresdin Files”, then check out these links and see what you can do to spread the word:

http://www.myspace.com/team_winchester

http://www.teamwinchester.com/TW_mainpage.htm

Be sure to drop by tomorrow when I'll share my thoughts on tonight's 9PM Season 3 Premiere and you can share yours.

Congratulations to the Winners of my Fall Into Romance Contest!!!

2007-09-30T11:52:00.000-05:00

Winner of my Logo T-Shirt and surprise goodies is: Jeanette Jackson!!
Congratulations, Jeanette!!

Winners of my goodie stuffed envelopes are: Blackroze and Laura Kubitz!!
Congratulations, Blackroze and Laura!!

A special thanks to them and to all who entered.

Be sure to check my Contest/Events page this week for the announcement of my October Contest!!

New Review for Negative Image From LASR

2007-09-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

There's nothing negative about Negative Image except I wanted more!

Xeranthemum

Reviewer for The Long And Short Of It

Rating: 4 Books

To read the full review for my Crimson Rosette, click the link below:

http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Long and Short!

FALL INTO ROMANCE CONTEST

2007-09-21T07:45:00.001-05:00

Click HERE to goto my contest page.

Thanks, and good luck!!

Release Date for Mayhem Minis!!

2007-09-16T20:14:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to announce October 25th is the release date for my mini romance anthology, Mayhem Minis, through Forbidden Publications.

Mayhem Minis is my second release with FP and I have a third release currently at Galley.

This anthology (aptly named after my net nickname-Mayhem) contains three romantic snippets, each with a different sub-genre.

Hunk Slave - is my romantic comedy brief...as if you couldn't tell by the title...hehe

Soul Survivor - is my romantic contemporary, and

Neptune's Gift - is my romantic adventure...to which the voices have NOT shut up, so yes, I'll be penning a much longer sequel in the distance future.

DJ has done a super job on my cover. As soon as it gets the final approval, I will proudly post the beauty for all to enjoy.

Have a great one,

Donna

Yeehaaw!! There's a Yummy Cowboy Available Today!

2007-09-05T10:53:00.001-05:00

Ten Things I’d Do for a Cowboy
By Donna Michaels
Available Now from The Wild Rose Press
60 Pages—Spicy

Blurb

Journalist, Amanda Lang, wishes she’d never written the article, “Ten Things I’d Do for a Cowboy”. Thanks to her, cowboy Rafe Buchanan lost his marriage, his bank account and nearly his ranch because it had been her husband his wife ran away with. Now, two years and a divorce later, Amanda is back on Buchanan soil to write another article, film a documentary and deliver a face-to-face apology.

Rafe Buchanan wants the woman gone. The Buchanan Wild Mustang and Burro Transition Ranch is his life and, after almost losing it once, he isn’t about to allow another disaster. But when he sets out to make the beauty voluntarily leave, his tactics take an unexpected turn. Could there be more than wild horses in transition on his ranch?

Excerpt

Unable to stop himself, he stepped closer. “What exactly are you offering, Ms. Lang?”

“I…” Blinking, she drew in a breath. Her rising chest captured his interest.

Despite her thin frame, the woman had curves. He’d never noticed that before. His gaze roamed down her belly, the curl of her waist, hips that almost came to his and long legs hugged by a pair of faded jeans. She was taller than Larissa, and although she tilted her head to look at him, the angle wasn’t as extreme as his ex-wife’s. Larissa used to complain about a crook in her neck.

Amanda wouldn’t have that problem.

Sex with her would be different.

His pulse increased and he reached out to cup her face. “You may be onto something there, Ms. Lang.” Thumb tracing her lower lip, he liked the full, soft feel and promise they held.

“Wh—what are you doing?” She asked against his finger.

Spikes of desire shot to his groin. “I’ve decided to take you up on your offer.”

“Offer? Wh—what offer?” Her eyes widened, reminding him of that new foal again.

“You’re offer to have sex.” He held tight and backed her into the wall when she tried to jerk away. “You said you’d give me anything, and I’ve decided, since Brian had sex with my wife, I should have sex with his.”

********************
Thanks for reading,

Donna Michaels
http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

My Shameless Pimping of Judi Fennell & Her Gather.com First Chapter Contest Entry

2007-08-31T15:34:00.000-05:00

My friend Judi Fennell has an entry in the new Gather.com First Chapter Contest.

In Over Her Head is a delightful story full of humor, romance and suspense. Click Here to read her entry and vote at Gather.com. I know you'll be hooked.

Judi needs your vote to advance to the next round. The winner will receive a book deal with Simon & Schuster. You can be a part of making her dream come true, and giving the world a talented new author.

Check out Judi's Website for more details and view her cool Book Trailer.

Just when you thought it was safe to fall in love...
Below is the blurb and Judi's personal message on how to vote.

As always, thanks for reading.
Donna Michaels

In Over Her Head
by Judi Fennell

When Erica Peck, one terrified-of-the-ocean marina owner, finds herself at the bottom of the sea conversing with a merman named Reel, she thinks she’s died and gone to her own version of Hell.

When the Oceanic Council demands she and Reel retrieve a lost cache of diamonds from the resident sea monster in return for their lives, she knows she’s died and gone to Hell.

When they escape the monster and end up on a deserted island, she amends her opinion - she’s died and gone to Heaven.But when Reel sacrifices himself to allow her to return to her world, she realizes that, Heaven or Hell, with Reel, she’s In Over Her Head.

A Message From Judi:

Many of you may recognize my name from the recent American Title contest or the original Gather.com/Simon & Schuster First Chapters Contest. My manuscript, Beauty and The Best, was a finalist in each of these contests - the ONLY Romance in the Top 20 of the Gather.com contest (out of over 2,600 entries from all genres of fiction).

My latest manuscript, In Over Her Head, is entered in the NEW version of the Gather.com contest, which is strictly for Romance.

Like American Idol, the Gather contest allows the public to help select the winners. Votes of 10 are the only ones that count and those entries with the most 10s advance to Round 2. There are two rounds of voting, August 27 - Sept 18 and Sept 24 - Oct 8.

Donna has been kind enough to feature my entry and I’d love for you to come check it out. The first chapter is up and awaiting your votes.

To vote:

1. Click on the link to go to my entry.

2. Click on JOIN TODAY in the upper right corner.

3. Complete the information on the left side. IMPORTANT: Write down your username and password. Password CANNOT be longer than 6 characters.

4. Click SIGN UP - IT’S FREE.

5. This will take you back to my entry. Read/page down through my entry and click on the 10 star. Be careful, because once you click on a star, your vote is registered. ONLY 10s count!! And leave a comment - Gather.com is giving out Borders gift cards for the best comment and the number of unique comments counts toward the final score!

6. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc.! That’s it!Thank you so very much and I hope you enjoy Erica and Reel’s adventure! And please feel free to stop by my website to see more of my work. http://www.judifennell.com/

My First Paranormal-THE HUNTED-Released Today!!

2007-08-29T09:40:00.001-05:00

The Hunted
by Donna Michaels
Available now at The Wild Rose Press
11 pages Spicy

BLURB

When a bullet interrupts their intimate rendezvous at a Mayan ruin, Jaden Quantrill and her now wounded lover, Raphael Estes, escape into the Mexican jungle with four armed men on their trail. Tired of running, and at Raphael’s insistence, Jaden answers the call of her wild—the jaguar within—and soon the hunters become The Hunted.

EXCERPT

A crack, like board hitting board, echoed through the Steles, stone blocks, before something thudded the ground by her ear and tore at her hair.

“Ouch. What was that?” She looked up at Raphael and gasped.

Blood flowed from a hole in his chest, streaking down his torso into the earth at his knee. With a growl, he fell on top of her and rolled them into the cover of the jungle.

“Raphael! Raphael, are you all right?” She moved from underneath to roll him onto his back. Blood continued to flow from his wound, but at a slower pace.

“No, although, I will be.” He squeezed her hand and looked her up and down. “The bullet went clear through. Thank God it didn’t hit you.”

“Bullet?” She leaned over him to draw in a breath. “It wasn’t silver.”

“No. It’s my guess they’re just thrill-seeking poachers.” He struggled to his feet. “But we have to go. They’ve started to track us.”

*************

Thanks for reading,

Donna Michaels
www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

Check out the cover to THE HUNTED

2007-08-14T10:59:00.001-05:00

Nicola did a wonderful job on the cover to my upcoming Black Rose Rosette paranormal release, The Hunted.

BLURB

When a bullet interrupts their intimate rendezvous at a Mayan ruin, Jaden Quantrill and her now wounded lover, Raphael Estes, escape into the Mexican jungle with four armed men on their trail. Tired of running, and at Raphael’s insistence, Jaden answers the call of her wild—the jaguar within—and soon the hunters become The Hunted.

Keep an eye here for release news. Thanks.

RESCUED HEART Released!!

2007-07-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

Rescued Heart
By Donna Michaels
Romantic Action/Suspense
24 pages
Available now at Forbidden Publications

Blurb

Lt. Fallon Carter is on a mission; an unauthorized mission to rescue the man she loves, Cpt. Kade Taggart, her commander and secret lover for the past few months.

Captured during a failed assignment, thanks to a mole in their team, he’s in the hands of the enemy and she can’t trust anyone but herself to go in and get him out. Will she be too late? Can she flush out the mole and safely rescue the man who holds her heart?

Excerpt

This is bad.

Lt. Fallon Carter stood at attention with her three remaining team members when Colonel Hampton entered the briefing room. Her heart rocked into her ribs at his serious expression. Something was terribly wrong.

“At ease. Take a seat.” The air crackled with tension while her squad waited for the brass to explain their visit. “As of 0800, Recon Team has failed to complete their mission.”

Kade.

Her ability to move or breathe ceased as the news registered in her rapidly numbing brain. Only death would stop him from completing a mission.

“Lieutenant Eric Saunders was wounded. He’s being treated and debriefed as we speak.” The Colonel paused and looked around the room.

Breath still held, she waited for him to continue. For the first time in her life, she was scared.

“Commander Kade Taggart was captured.”

No!

She clamped her jaw to keep from crying out. No one must know of the personal hell the Colonel’s words caused. Calm on the outside, her mind raced into action. Thankful to hear the man she loved was alive, she knew something was off. Captain Kade Taggart was too smart to let that happen. He analyzed his missions carefully, allowing for every possible scenario. This didn’t make sense.

Her eyes scanned the others in the room. McGee, Sawyer, Lucy. Instinct told her this was the work of a traitor. But who? For the past year she’d trusted all of them with her life. Looking from face to face, no one appeared guilty. Her gut didn’t agree. She sighed inwardly. All signs logically pointed to Eric, but he lay in quarantine, and she had no hope of speaking to him.
The room remained silent as the debriefing continued, and it wasn’t until it was over that someone spoke up.

“Colonel Hampton, Sir.” McGee stood, gaining the departing man’s attention. “What’s being done about the commander? Will there be a rescue mission?”

Her pulse quickened. She watched the colonel intently. She’d be the first to volunteer.

“The State Department’s aware of the circumstances. Until we get word from them, they’ll be no rescue.”

*********************

Thanks for reading.

Donna Michaels
http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

NEGATIVE IMAGE is Released!

2007-07-18T08:46:00.000-05:00

Negative Image
By Donna Michaels
Available now at The Wild Rose Press

13 pages--Sensual

Blurb

Photographer Lisa Clarke thought working the Senator’s Inaugural Ball would be just another job. But when she inadvertently photographs a serial killer with his next victim, her easy assignment turns into a life or death situation. When the killer targets Lisa, she’s put into police protection and faces danger of another kind. Sexy Detective Dean Jennings.

Lisa and Dean give into their fiery attraction, but their interlude is cut short by the killer. With their wits as their only weapon, will they be able to outsmart a killer bent on revenge? Or will their passion-filled night cost them their lives?

Excerpt

“Okay. You can look now.” Bringing them to a halt, he removed his hand from her eyes and she gasped.

Washed in a romantic glow, the cozy living room sported an assortment of candles and dinner for two. She turned to him. “How did you…when did you?”

Mischief sparkled in his green eyes. “When you were taking your shower.”

“Oh, that explains it.” Swaying into him, she slid her hands over the shadowed ridges of his chest and playfully pouted. “I was wondering why you didn’t join me.”

He growled and crushed her close. Mouth parted, she eagerly awaiting his searing kiss.

It never came.

His hungry expression turned to alarm. Stiffening, he released her and scanned the room.

Fear quickened her pulse. Throat dry, she touched his elbow. “Dean, what is it? What’s wrong?”

“Something’s…off. I need to get you out of here. Now!”

************************
Thanks for reading.

Donna Michaels

The Money Bunny by JT Schultz is Released!!

2007-06-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

The Money Bunny -

Available Now! From Forbidden Publications

Blurb:

A bunny on a bus?

Jackson Hunter thought he had seen it all until one bad day forces him to take the bus. A nutcase in a bunny outfit and designer sunglasses hops on, gives out money in a card to every passenger, then hops off. Chasing the bunny down a sidewalk after it hops away is weirder. Finding out the beautiful blonde at a bar that has caught his eye is not only the runaway rabbit, but the lawyer suing him sends the fur flying and leads to some fancy footwork.

Attorney Abigail Crosby has it all. She also has zero patience for Hunter Industries, the company that plans to destroy the neighborhood she grew up in and leave families without affordable housing. How was she to know that the hunk on the bus could fill the void in her life that she never noticed before? Only after great conversation, shared meals, and mind-blowing sex she discovers that he is the defendant. With the court date fast approaching, emotions are running high. Can she pull a rabbit out of her hat, saving her career and what she has with Jack, or in the end will it boil down to the money bunny?

Excerpt:

His voice alone caressed her skin and she fought for composure. Abby had reminded herself she was an attorney, and had forced herself to speak, but telling him that stalking was illegal may not have been her best move.

Suave, real suave in winning over Prince Charming. Her cheeks stung. Yep, undoubted, she was blushing. Son of a bitch! To think, I’m a professional.

“I’m sure I would have remembered if we had met.” His voice was deep, sexy, and she highly doubted it was meant to turn her on. Or was it?

“Um, I guess you wouldn’t believe me…”

Something flickered in his dark, brown eyes and they sparkled. His long, jet-black lashes blinked in disbelief as he leaned in closer to her. The smell of his cologne affected her the same way it had on the bus earlier that day. When his nose brushed lightly against her neck up to her ear, her skin heated and her breath was lost. Her nipples tightened beneath the light fabric from his skin touching hers. The air sucked out of her lungs and rational thought--hell any thought had vanished.

“I received an envelope today that smelled as wonderful as you.”

Inhaling sharply, she stepped back, blinked, and glanced around. “How did you know?”
His warm chuckle filled the air, warming it and her body considerably. His eyes danced. “I didn’t until you spoke.”

“Please don’t tell.” She barely heard her voice; how was he supposed to hear her?

“I won’t.” His smile was broad, making him even sexier and her thong damp. “I didn’t think I would see you again.”

“What are you doing here?” She glanced to the drink in his hand. Talk about a stupid question.

“Well, contrary to what you may think, I’m not stalking you, but if I had known it was one of the options, I may have considered it.” He laughed. The sound was incredible and turned her on. “I was checking out a blonde and thinking honestly of another woman in a bunny outfit that I would never see again.” His expression had grown more serious and his voice had become quieter.

“And now that you know that they are one in the same?” Why did he make her nervous? Right-- gorgeous, tall, dark, and downright delicious in a really expensive suit.

“I’m amazed that we are again in the same spot at the same time.” His brows furrowed. “And I’m wondering if I will be able to get your name.”

Okay, he is also charming. “I’m Abby.”

“Abby, I like it. I’m Jack, and now that we have that out of the way, what would it take to convince you to leave this place with me for something quieter?”

“An answer.” She wasn’t coy by nature, but then again, nature didn’t normally have the hunkiest man in the world cross her path twice in the same day.

“Well, I have an answer, what would be the question.”

Here goes nothing. “Your place or mine?”

RAINING MEN by JT Schultz is released!!

2007-06-15T19:59:00.001-05:00

Announcing the release of JT's fun, sexy--LMAO read

Raining Men.

Available at: Forbidden Publications & JT'S Website.

Here's the blurb:

A ball player, a police officer and a fireman oh my!

It’s raining men and the weather outside is hunky, hunkier and hot! At least gallery owner Charly Jamison is convinced after moving from New York back to California. Her closest friends are nearby and its miles away from a stalker. The only other woman on the block where she lives, is a sweet little church lady that has “messages” for her and there is a gorgeous man at every turn.

All the men in her life want her, while there is only one man that holds her heart. Her friends are crazier than she is and she’s the one living a double life painting erotic pictures under an alias--Joey Sinn. Not a problem, every man in the world wants her too. Charly’s gallery opening fast approaches, the threats of the stalker are back into full swing and her life spins into a downpour of wrong, but more than delicious men. Who will save her? Will it be the man she loves and in the end, will he love her too?

Enjoy your copy today!

SOLD---Negative Image------

2007-05-26T10:43:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to announce, Regina Cross, Crimson Editor at The Wild Rose Press, has offered a contract for my romantic suspens short story, Negative Image.

Here's the blurb:

Assigned to photograph the Senator’s Inaugural Ball, photographer Lisa Clarke thought it was just another job. She was wrong. Inadvertently photographing a serial killer with his next victim, her easy assignment turns into a life or death situation. Surviving his attack but unable to identify him, she’s put under police protection and faces danger of another kind. Sexy Detective Dean Jennings.

Told the killer is caught, they give into their fiery attraction and spend a passion-filled night. But when their interlude is cut short by the appearance of the real killer, the night turns deadly. Will they keep their wits about them long enough to survive or will they become just another negative image?

Keep an eye here and my website: www.donnamichaelsauthor.com for the cover and release date.

Thanks and have a safe holiday weekend.

Cowboy's Wish is released!!!

2007-05-18T06:41:00.001-05:00

Check out another wonderful release from

my author friend, JT Schultz!

Cowboy's Wish is available at:

http://www.jtschultz.com/novellas.htm

and

The Wild Rose Press

Enjoy!!

After breaking off her engagement to a man she didn’t love, fashion designer Melanie Rourke has moved from Calgary to Dallas for a fresh start—as long as she can avoid running into ancient history. But fate has other ideas, and a broken-down truck and a Texas downpour leave her stranded with Cody Armstrong, the man she loved and lost.

Cody loves his new ranch outside Dallas, but it didn’t take him long to realize that leaving Melanie behind was a big mistake. Problem is, by the time he went back to find her, Melanie was engaged to someone else. How could he have given his heart to someone so fickle? But now he has an all-too-single Melanie in his house. Will she end up in his bed and in his arms? Only if this cowboy gets his wish.

SIX OF HEARTS is Released!!

2007-05-13T08:10:00.000-05:00

Woohoo!! It's finally out!!!!

The romantic suspense epic novel from my author friend,

JT Schultz has been released!!

Six of Hearts is available now at:
http://www.forbiddenpublications.com/index.html

and http://www.jtschultz.com

Blurb:

Undercover officer Devon Kelly hates homicides, especially, when he knows the victim. The death of one his sister’s friends affects Devon hard since he went to school with her. He thinks back to his sister’s clique, the ‘six of hearts’. The six very rich, very popular, and very pretty girls get him thinking about the leader of the pack. Faith had been the queen of the hearts and had not only ruled the school but every guy’s attention. She had certainly held Devon’s.

Faith Lacey is CEO of her family’s company, Lacey Things Lingerie. She comes home to attend the funeral of her dead friend only to find that she and surviving friends are the target of a serial killer. Every threat or murder is marked with a six of hearts playing card. She lost her virginity, her heart and her soul to Devon—and saved his life. Now he races to save hers, before the Reaper deals a hand of death. The six of hearts—who knew a playing card could be so deadly.

IF you love romance, suspense, action and a sarcastic heroine, then you'll LOVE this book. DO yourself a favor and buy it today!

SPRING INTO ROMANCE CONTEST

2007-05-06T13:20:00.000-05:00

In honor of Spring--time of renewal, rebirth...love....

I'm holding a Spring Into Romance Contest, giving away a set of matching rose stationary, notepad, things-to-do-list and three coordinating pens.

Contest runs from May 7th to Mother's Day, May 13th.

Winners will be drawn on Monday, May 14th

Visit my website for full details.

Good luck!!

HOLY RAVIOLI!! Look at this new release!!

2007-04-27T18:14:00.000-05:00

Check out my author friend, JT Schutlz's latest release, Holy Ravioli. This sweet romance and a laugh out loud comedy is available now at Forbidden Publications:

http://www.forbiddenpublications.com/book_pages/holy_ravioli.html

Blurb:
Holy Ravioli! Shira Pravoloni is positive her sweet, though often meddling ma has officially flipped her noodle. Not only does she want Shira’s wedding blessed by the Pope, she is going to help find a man for her, since she isn’t even dating. In her attempt to dodge her mother, she runs out of her office and into the hunkiest man she has ever seen. He not only rescues her from her mother but after a few dates and a few kisses, soon gets her thinking there might be worse fates than marriage.
Joseph Pocente works—that’s all he does. Unless, getting a lecture from his mother about not being married constitutes as a hobby. The more time he spends with Shira, the more he realizes he wants to be with her. So when he finds out she is getting married, it’s a recipe for disaster. When he finds out her arranged marriage is to his cousin, he plans to stop her from marrying someone other than him.
Toss in some crazy family members, a boxing match, and a ravioli-craving priest and it is a wacky race to the alter. The only question remains, who will be the groom?

SOLD--Fated Hearts--a Full ms To The Wild Rose Press

2007-04-18T18:00:00.000-05:00

My first attempt at writting once my youngest started school full day, six years ago...is now going to be published by The Wild Rose Press.

Fated Hearts will be released as a full ms for their Yellow Rose line. I have a sequel to edit and submit, so who knows??? Maybe the Hero's brother may get his day in the sun, too.

A VALENTINE IN JULY is released today

2007-03-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

Check out this fun, sexy and intriguing read

by author, JT Schultz.

Valentino De Marcus has it all, a loving family, a successful surfing school and an amazing woman. She’s sexy, smart and--in his dreams. Val stares out the window and wishes on a shooting star to find the woman that visits him nightly. He notices the thin scratches left by fingernails on his shoulder. He knows she’s real and their fates in destiny’s hand.Private Investigator Tia O’Shea isn’t crazy. She knows that the man that invades her dreams is real. He has to be, she has a bite on her neck to prove it. She just has to find him. One night she follows her client’s cheating husband and witnesses him murder someone. He discovers her and chases her. Rescued by the hunky man of her dream, it’s a good time to get his name.Val’s an immortal day-walking vampire and Tia’s a slayer. Somewhere along the murder mystery way, they fall in love. Suddenly, life and death, has a whole new meaning.

You can purchase this e-book by clicking the links below. Enjoy!

JT Shultz Website

The Wild Rose Press

Check out CHASING CLOVER!

2007-03-19T18:14:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a fun/sexy read?

Then Chasing Clover by JT Schultz

is the book for you.

You can purchase the romantic comedy at:

JT's Website

Forbidden Press

Enjoy!!

SOLD two Short Stories to Forbidden Publications!!

2007-03-11T16:02:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to announce the sale of two short stories to Forbidden Publications. Rescued Heart and Dr. Gnome.

I'm thrilled to be working with Rene and her team. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about her from my author friend, JT Schultz.

Thanks, Rene, for taking me on and I look forward to this being the start of a great author/publisher relationship.

Look at my author friend, JT Schultz' cool cover!

2007-03-05T12:22:00.000-05:00

How's that for exciting??

A Valentine In July is set to be released on the 23rd of this month.

You can find it at The Wild Rose Press or JT Schultz's website.

I can't wait! Valentine is one hot vampire. mmm.

Good luck with it, hun!

Happy Birthday to my Tango!

2007-02-28T08:28:00.000-05:00

Seven years ago, Tango, our first rescued cat, was born in a shelter. He was one of the lucky ones. His mother was picked up when she was pregnant, so he and his siblings were born at the shelter and not on the streets.

Then we were the lucky ones. We went to pick out one kitten from many at the shelter and he ended up picking us out. We peeked through the glass in the door, and out of the 14+ cats and kittens, he came running to us and tried to climb up the door. How could we possibly resist him after that? We adopted him on Memorial Day that year and he's been a character ever since.

The shelter had named him Mango, so we just changed the M to a T and called him Tango. Now, whenever people visit, they all ask if they can take him home because he's incredibly beautiful. He weighs 20lbs and is very fluffy and friendly. He'll get on his hind legs and beg to be petted. Needless to say, it works every time. Even to those who aren't cat lovers.

Happy Birthday, Tango! I hope and pray we have many more!

Valentine's Day Do-Over is # 1 Best Seller!

2007-02-25T16:54:00.001-05:00

Woohoo! My Champagne Mini Rose- Valentine's Day Do-Over - took the Number One spot on the Best Sellers lists at The Wild Rose Press!

I'd just like to thank everyone who made Rome's and Ivy's story hit #1!

Thank you for your support!

Just thought I'd pop in

2007-02-17T11:29:00.001-05:00

to wish my good friend a Happy Birthday!!

You know who you are.:)

I finally get a few good days to write with no 'running' involved in my day and what happens? I get the dang flu from my hubby who had a reaction to his flu shot...sheez.

Anyhow, just popping on quick before I crawl back in bed.

Hope your bday is a great one!!

Valentine's Day Do-Over Winner

2007-02-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

...is.........Christine Columbus!!
Congratulations for winning my Valentine's Day Do-Over contest. Good luck with the Powerball ticket. I hope your winning streak continues! As soon as I dig out of the snow, I shall get your Heart-Shaped box filled with:
-Candy Hearts
-Chocolate
-Promo goodies
-Perfume
-And of course, the Powerball ticket for this Sat. Feb. 17th

over to the post office. Good luck!!

I'd also like to thank everyone who entered and made this contest such a wonderful success. Please check my website in the next few weeks for my upcoming Spring Into Romance contest.

Thank you.

My First Blog Post

2007-02-14T17:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it.

I managed to work around the html and my homebound family, to get this blog up and running. I have yet to figure out how to link my book covers to my selling page but that'll have to wait for another day. I have a Hero who's about to be kissed...and he won't wait any longer. LOL

I shall try to get in here and post little tidbits everyday to keep you all informed of what's going on in my writing world and so I can hear what's going on in yours.

Have a good one!