A is for... Jennifer Ashley

s you may know, my theme for this year's challenge is romance authors and books. While I am a romance writer, I was a reader first, and there are so many great books and authors out there.  I'm excited to share some of my favorites with you, and I hope you'll do the same in the comments!  I'm always looking for new stuff to read!


First up is the multi-genre author Jennifer Ashley.  I read her book, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, several years ago, and became an instant fan.  I still think it should be required reading for any historical romance fan.

Jennifer Ashley

I was thrilled when I discovered that Jennifer also writes paranormal romance as well, and I've really enjoyed her Shifter series.  I haven't read as much of her erotic romances (written under Allyson James), and I have yet to tackle her mysteries (written under Ashley Gardner), but it makes me happy to know there are so many of her books left for me to enjoy.  Seriously, is there anything the woman doesn't write?  She's a rockstar!

Thanks for stopping by today!

A to Z Blogging Challenge, 2014 edition

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my theme for this year's A to Z Blogging Challenge.  <drumroll please>

A Romantic Alphabet

You probably know that I'm a romance author, but first and foremost, I am a reader.  For this A to Z Challenge, I want to highlight some of the romance books and authors that I have enjoyed over the years.

It's going to be tough, only choosing one for each letter of the alphabet, but I think it will be fun as well.  I hope you'll enjoy the month with me!

Celebrate the Small Things - Conference edition

It's here!  After almost a year of planning, my RWA chapter's conference is here!  I'm happy about this for several reasons:

1) We have a great line-up of speakers and classes, so it should be a really informative experience for everyone.

2) We have a great location.  Downtown Fort Worth--what's not to love?

3) Once the conference is over, I can get back to my normal life and start writing again!  Between the conference, moving, the wedding, and the day job, I haven't had much time to get any writing done.  I miss it.  A lot.  I'm really looking forward to getting back to it.

What are you celebrating this week?

If you've been reading my blog, you know that Fridays are reserved for a post where I celebrate the little things that have happened during the week.  This is a blog hop hosted by VikLit, and it's one of my favorite blogging things to do.  I encourage you to check out her blog and the full list of participants, because who doesn't love reading about good things?

Photo Friday - Just because

Because sometimes, what you need is a diaper-wearing pet duck standing on a textbook...

FATAL FALLOUT back cover copy!

So just what is Thomas's story about, you ask?  Wonder no more!

Torn between duty and desire, two strangers must risk all for love 

Nuclear physicist Dr. Claire Fleming has one rule: never get close to anyone. But when her colleague is murdered and she's targeted next, she must place all her trust in FBI agent Thomas Kincannon. Soon Claire forgets her tenet as she fantasizes about Thomas's touch. 

Thomas is wildly attracted to Claire. But his life and his job are too complicated for any romantic entanglements. Despite this, they share a mind-blowing kiss, and there's no turning back. When Thomas's niece is abducted, the stakes become dangerously higher as Claire insists he trade her for the child. Somehow, Thomas must find a way to rescue his family and protect the woman who let her protective walls down just for him.  

I can't wait for you guys to read this! :)

It's alive!!!

Apologies to classic Frankenstein movies for the title, but it seemed fitting. I was out all last week moving, and believe it or not, I'm still not quite done.  Gotta love the joys of moving!

Anyway, I thought I'd share a few photos with you all.  Now that things are winding down, I hope to resume posting on a more regular basis--I miss you guys!  Hope you're all doing well!

The side porch and pergola.  It's getting stained this week, and will
then be ready for Spring!

The den/living room, complete with all my pretties :)

Dining room light fixture

The master bedroom.  Note the liberal coating of cat hair over
the NEW blue bedspread.  You can see the unrepentant culprits,
conspiring to add additional deposits.

Self lovin' blog hop!

Tara over at The Feel of Something New had a great idea: why not have a blog hop where we celebrate the things we're good at?  If you're anything like me, it's easy to engage in critical self-talk rather than focusing on the positive. Today, let's change that.

As for what I'm good at, I make a mean chicken parmesan.   I'm also really persistent, and am able to keep going no matter the circumstances. Some have said I'm stubborn, but I prefer to view it as determined :)

What about you?  What are your positive qualities?