Thought you might enjoy a peek at the research for my current work in progress. Who knew a yacht could be sexy? Just imagine an erotic romance novel set aboard this baby.

Since I’m still working on Burke’s book and I know so many of you are waiting (rather impatiently, *VBG*) I thought I’d give you a little taste to tide you over.

Burke, as you’ve no doubt guessed, is a contradiction. He’s both the strong silent type and the laid back, easy going kid brother. Confused yet? He’s also tall. Really tall. And really built. He has a quiet calm about him that I find fascinating.

I see him as sort of a tall, built Jared Leto. Eyes that will melt a woman on impact. A fierce need to protect and take responsibility…but he’s fighting those urges. You’ll find out why later. But without further ado, here he is. Um, please, no drooling on the blog. Thanks.

Don’t want anyone worrying that I’ve dropped off the face of the planet, and I wouldn’t want my blog to get lonely either.

So here I am. There you are. What’s new?

I’m finishing up a Christmas story, hopefully I’ll have more details on that soon. I’m still working on the Sci Fi, boy, that sucker just keeps getting bigger and bigger, but I reallly like the characters, so I don’t mind.

I have some exciting news about a friend and fellow author, but that’ll have to wait.

Other than that… I’m pondering having my website redone. What say you?

Not too long ago reader Andrea left me this note:

I started to read Ready and Willing, but the only chapter that showed up when I clicked on the various links was the first chapter. I loved the first chapter and am dying to know what happens next with Kaden and Ava! I tried clicking on chapter 2 and then chapter 3 both in PDF and zipped HTM:, but couldn’t get to any other chapter but 1. If there some way I could read the rest?

I’m happy to report that my webmistress has fixed the problem and all chapters are downloadable again (in html and pdf.) To get access to the free reads page, please sign up to my newsletter (link above) and you’ll get an autoresponder telling you all that super secret info.

Thanks for reporting the problem Andrea! Enjoy the other chapters.

I’m taking back the blog! Just for a while, I promise. I really enjoy reading all the neat posts from my guest authors, but I’m afraid I need to cut in and take over the programming for a bit.

First off, Mated to a Cajun Werewolf will be out Friday June 5th! Woo to the HOO! You can get a copy of your very own at Cobblestone Press.

Second, I’ve teamed up with a bunch of my fellow authors to offer you one very awesome contest with lots of incredible prizes. Books, t-shirts, goodie baskets…oh my, it’s all there. And you can enter now!

If you somehow missed the gorgeous cover art for Mated to a Cajun Werewolf (which is Andre’s book… I know you’ve been waiting for that!) let me show it off again. Shameless, I know.

I’m still working on that new series of lucious, lickable cowboys. Inspiration & eye candy available with this post.

If you’re new to my blog (and/or website), well, welcome. Hope you’ll have a look around, find a book or two to take with you, and be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you can stay abreast of all that’s happening in my world…and those that I create for my characters.

Stay sexy,

Selena

PS. Yes, I have every intention of continuing/finishing Ready & Willing, my free short story available when you sign up for the newsletter.

Anya Bast has stopped by the Double the Pleasure blog and she’s written a fabulous post about First Lines. Come read it and tell her what your favorite first line is and why it hooks you. leilaandselena.blogspot.com/2009/03/first-lines-by-anya-bast.html You could win a copy of Anya Bast’s Witch Heart, autographed too!

My next series after Stormy Weather will be about a hunky group of brothers, cowboys actually, living in Montana. And though they’ve been whispering in my ear lately, telling me their stories, it was only today that I came face to face with the eldest brother. Thanks to a bit of procrastination on myspace, I’ve found him. And ladies… is he yummy! Please have a cloth ready to wipe the drool from your lips.

It’s amazing the things that excite an author, isn’t it? The first reader mail is always the sweetest. Following fan mail makes your heart beat faster. New contracts help you breathe easier. Award nominations fill you with hellium so you’re floating near the ceiling for weeks.

Finding my book listed in the Fictionwise newsletter made me grin till my jaws ached. Correction, still grinning, jaws still hurt!

I thought I’d let you in on my excitement with a screenshot.

You can click on the image above for a full sized version.

Welcome!

So glad you dropped by. There’s a lot going on right now so let me point you in the right direction.

If you’re looking for information on my bestselling Stormy Weather series, you’ll find it here. I have a new short-sizzling erotica out now called The Wine Tasting. It’s part of a collaborative series with four other talented authors. So if you’re looking for something inexpensive and super steamy, give it a read.

Bound and Determined was just nominated for two (count ‘em… 2!) awards from Love Romances Cafe. Award nominations are in Best Shape Shifter of 2008 and Best Erotic Book of 2008.

I am absolutely stunned, floored, thankful, and shocked by these nominations. My dear friend Leila had to tell me because I’m just so clueless about such things. So to whomever nominated B&D, thank you SO much and I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

From here you can also see what I’m up to (via twitter and plurk), sign my guestbook (it’s a little empty at the moment. ), read my rarely updated blog turned notes, sign up for my newsletter and get a free short story!, find out about all my books, and contact me if you wish. I really like fan mail, you know…

Read more »

TGIF! I don’t know about you but I’ve been waiting all week for Friday to roll around and it’s finally here! Why am I so excited? Today is release day! And I can’t wait to hear what you think about my new book. My inbox is waiting for your mail: selenablake@gmail.com.

Months ago…February maybe, I was chatting online with a writing buddy of mine and she said something and it gave me an idea for a series. We quickly worked out the particulars and today that series is a reality.

My portion is called The Wine Tasting and takes place in beautiful France. Not only that, there’s an ultra dreamy hero between the covers just waiting to sweep you off your feet, charm the socks right off you and seduce you with his smooth voice.

About the Book:

Braxton Hughes knows he’s the best of the best. But a bet with six other extraordinary thieves gives him a chance to prove it. His task is to steal an incredibly rare bottle of wine and he only has seven days to do it.

During an evening of routine of surveillance he meets Elise Savade. Brax has always prided himself on his self control but one look at the elegant French woman in the slinky midnight blue gown and he’s thinking more about seducing her than finding his prize. Soon Elise shows him that wine cellars aren’t just for tasting wine.

Buy it: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/cat…inetasting.htm

Excerpt:

From: Zeus@theblindbet.com

To: sevenofspades@theblindbet.com

Subject: The Bet

1787 Lafite G.W.

You have seven days.

Zeus

* * * * *

Braxton Hughes stepped out of the limo and tugged his bow tie into place. Roger Savade’s enormous French chateau sat at the end of the cobblestone walk, looking regal and impenetrable. He held out his hand to the woman in the backseat, and she slipped her satin-gloved fingers into his.

For a woman pushing fifty, Claire Renaldae looked great in her lavender dress with her hair perfectly coiffed. He tucked her arm through his and started up the path with the other guests, anticipation sizzling through his veins.

“Thanks for bringing me tonight,” Claire said, her voice soft. Her silver gray eyes, rimmed with dark liner, sparkled up at him. There was an air of smoky sophistication about her, showing him that she belonged at parties like this one. Rubbing shoulders with the filthy rich, dancing until dawn.

Recently divorced, she was here to show up her ex-husband with a hot new stud on her arm.

Braxton was here for the wine.

He’d known as soon as he’d pushed himself out of the pool at Chateau Le Cannet four days ago that Claire was perfect for him. Perfect for the job. She’d been lying on a lounge chair, a black one piece showing off a trim, sun-kissed figure. The big, fluffy hat hadn’t been able to shadow the look of desire in her eyes when she’d glanced at his body glistening from his afternoon swim.

It had taken little effort to strike up a conversation and find out about her ex-husband and her invitation to the Savade party. Nor had it taken much effort to casually offer to escort her to said party.

“You’re welcome.” He glanced around at the other guests, nodding at the few who made eye contact. “Think he’ll be here?”

“Of course. He wouldn’t miss a party like this, or a chance to show her off.” The her Claire was referring to was her ex-husband’s new mistress, Scandinavian supermodel Mia Rassmusen. She’d mentioned the other woman several times, and he found himself wondering why a woman like Claire would waste her time and energy on a man like her ex-husband. She may not have been a hot, young supermodel, but she was smart and witty enough. And not at all bad on the eyes. Years of spa treatments had, no doubt, seen to that.

“Well, I seriously doubt she’ll look anywhere near as beautiful as you,” he said, playing his part.

Claire preened under his gaze, her spine straightening. “You’re so sweet.” She squeezed his arm.

The receiving line slowed to a halt.

Brax looked around the manor, noting the number of windows and doors and their locations. His gaze traveled over the shrubs and stone walls of the landscape. The large front doors were wide open, and golden yellow light poured out. He could hear music. Probably some lesser known French composer.

“Roger Savade is such a pompous ass. He hosts these parties to show off his money. His things,” Claire whispered. He glanced down at the necklace dripping with diamonds around her neck. Speaking of showing off one’s wealth…. “Just like my ex-husband.”

Brax stayed silent and watched as the hosts greeted the guests. It wasn’t that he didn’t agree with her. Roger was known to flaunt his money and his possessions. Brax wondered if he’d have the 1787 Lafite on display in the dining room. That would sure make his job easy.

The line moved forward, and he saw their host nodding to a short, graying gentleman. By habit, Brax surveyed his surroundings for security, both electronic and hard, hired muscle.

Did Roger Savade even know the significance of the 1787 Lafite, or had he bought it just because someone had told him it was rare?

“Claire! How are you?” The feminine voice with the French accent pulled him from his thoughts. Claire tugged on his arm until they were standing in front of the blonde woman just inside the door.

“Rona. I’m well, and yourself?” Claire replied, clasping the other woman’s hands in her own. They did the air kiss thing and stood back to sum each other up.

“Fabulous. Thanks so much for coming. Roger will be so glad you came.”
“Speaking of Roger, where is he?”

“I’m afraid he got pulled away. He’ll be around. Who’s your friend?”

“This is Braxton Hughes from L.A.”

Brax exchanged pleasantries, all the while looking around the enormous foyer. Priceless antiques and artifacts dotted the space. It was an art collector’s paradise.

“Enjoy the party,” Rona said, already turning to greet the next person in line.

“We will,” Claire cooed.

They stepped across the foyer toward the grand hall. The music and laughter grew louder. Expensive perfume and spicy cologne filled his nose.

“You know there’s a rumor—“ Claire began.

“Claire.” They turned to see a silver-haired man in an expensive-looking tuxedo.

Brax felt her freeze next to him. “Charles,” she said, her voice wooden. The two stared at each other in tense silence. This must be the ex. The last thing Brax needed tonight was a jealous ex-husband drawing unwanted attention.

“Who’s this?” the ex asked.

“Braxton Hughes,” she said, inching closer to Brax. “My date. Where’s what’s-her-name?”

“We broke up, mon petite chou.” He held out his hands, palms up as if to surrender. “Tu me monques.”

He saw her shoulders sag just a little as she put a tiny bit of space between them. The look on her beautifully made up face told him she was warring inside. It’d take a coldhearted woman to resist being called a little cabbage by the man she still loved. And when said man started murmuring things like ‘I miss you’, it was a safe bet that Brax was on his own.

“I’m going to go get something to drink,” he said and excused himself.

The exquisite details of the Neoclassical architecture weren’t lost on him as he made his way through the crowd. Heavily-carved crown moldings detailed every nook and corner. Columns soared up to a sculpted ceiling high above the grand hall.

He strode across the polished black and white checkerboard marble and almost did a double take as he passed a heavily gilded mirror. This job had required him to cut and color his hair a rich chocolate brown. He’d put in contacts to make his blue eyes green. Gone were his summer surfer dude good looks. He smiled at the thought.

He wasn’t that broken up about losing his date. At least now he didn’t feel like a gigolo. But it would be more difficult to fit in and snoop around.

He plucked a flute of champagne from a passing tray and made his way through the huge rooms, casually looking for his prize.

If I were a priceless bottle of wine, where would I be? he thought and turned to see a vision walk through the door. She was tall…even without the killer strappy heels that made him dream of fast and furious sex. Curvy in all the right places with lush breasts that would fill his hands and then some. The midnight blue fabric hugged her pale skin like a glove, shimmering as she moved. It dipped down deep into her cleavage, teasing his cock and his eyes.

He stopping breathing as her eyes locked with his. Classical. Her features, the careful twist of her charcoal brown hair, the delicate jewelry she wore on her wrist and ears…all spoke of elegant taste. Her eyes looked blue from here, but he would need to get closer to see if he was right. Momentarily, he forgot about the reason for coming to tonight’s party and wondered if she was as soft as she looked. If her raspberry colored lips would taste sweet and yet tart.

Remembering his mission, he mentally shook his head and then finished his champagne. “Keep your eye on the prize,” he muttered to himself and tried to think of every dull, arcane thing that would keep his cock from standing at attention. He let his gaze wander around the impressive space as he reviewed his mental checklist for tonight’s reconnaissance mission. Find the item. Find a way back in. Check for security.

A soft, lyrical laugh filled the air, and he sought out the sound’s source with his eyes. It was her, of course, laughing at some older man, her hand pressed against her heart.

Damn, she was beautiful. Stunning. Doubly so when she smiled. Those lips, framing perfect white teeth, tortured him with thoughts he had no business thinking. Not tonight.

But his private pep talk wasn’t helping.

All he could think of was her and the fact that he’d never been knocked off his game before. Never. Work came first. Pleasure came second. Claire had been part of the plan. Essential.

But the beauty in the blue dress with the lovely laugh…. She wasn’t part of the plan at all. In fact, she was a risk, a temptation he hadn’t even considered.

He needed some fresh air. Cold air.

A tall set of doors to his right opened to a stone terrace that would save him from staring at her any longer. Brax made his getaway.

Damn, he didn’t have time for a distraction. He needed to look around. From where he stood, he could see a lower level of the house. Maybe it was in a vault down there. Or a cellar.

A waiter circulated among the few guests braving the chilly evening air, and he swapped out his empty glass for a full one. Slowly he sipped the bubbly liquid and turned to take in his surroundings. He carefully gauged distances, counted the exits, looked for alternate entry points and scoped out the home’s security. After he finished this glass, he’d find a way downstairs.

Not that he was stalling….

“Can I give you a tour?”

He turned to see her standing halfway between him and the door, the yellow light silhouetting her. A small smile pulled the corners of her mouth upward.

“Sorry. I just find the architecture amazing.”

“It is lovely.” She stepped closer, and he felt a punch low in the gut.

“Indeed. It must have been built in the mid sixteen hundreds.”

“Sixteen forty-two, actually.” She stopped next to him and leaned against the carved stone railing. So much for the crisp night air cooling his libido. One look at her and his temperature was through the roof.

He quirked an eyebrow as he stared down into her upturned face and tried not to notice the thick fringe of dark lashes around her crystal blue eyes. Without her heels, she must have been at least five-foot-eight. With them, she came up to his chin, and he wondered what it’d feel like to have her in his arms. To nuzzle the creamy skin of her naked neck.

“This is my father’s home,” she said matter-of-factly.

———–

Get your copy today and come talk to me about it at the chat tonight (8pm EST): http://www.cobblestone-press.com/chat.htm

And don’t forget to enter Cobblestone’s contest for an ebook reader! http://www.cobblestone-press.com/contest.htm

Stay sexy,
Selena